Fatsia is a tall, sprawling shrub with decorative leaves. It belongs to the Araliev family and is distributed in East Asia (Japan, Taiwan, Vietnam). In the natural environment, thickets grow and form a sprawling bush up to 6 m high. In our latitudes, Fatsia is grown as a one and a half meter plant. Large carved leaves with a shiny surface are the main advantage of Fatsia, although flowers can also be expected from it. In order for the bush to turn out to be magnificent and large, a number of simple rules must be observed.
Plant description
Fatsia is an evergreen perennial shrub. It has a branched rhizome and strong sprawling shoots with lateral processes. Young vegetation is covered with a bluish-green bark and thick felt pile. Leaves on long stalks grow alternately or in a spiral. They have a leathery dark green surface and lighter veins. The foliage is cut into 7-9 lobes, its width reaches 35 cm. Old plants are covered with the most dissected leaves. The leaf plate segments are pointed; they have smooth or serrated sides. The lower leaves are whole or divided into weakly expressed 2-3 lobes.
Adult plants in the middle or late autumn are covered with flowers. A complex umbrella inflorescence grows in the center of the bush. It grows to 30 cm in diameter and consists of smaller, bulb-like inflorescences up to 4 cm in diameter. Small bisexual flowers are painted white or cream. They consist of an ovary and five long stamens. Petals are weakly expressed and resemble a short wavy border around the core.
After pollination, a fetus is formed in the lower ovary in the form of a small spherical stone fruit up to 0.5 cm in diameter. It is painted black or purplish black. Fruits look no less decorative than flowers.
Popular varieties
The genus of Fatsia is monotypic, that is, it is represented by only one main species - fatsia japanese. On its basis, several hybrid and decorative varieties that are less capricious in care are bred. They are distinguished by unusual foliage, size and other characteristics. The most interesting varieties:
- Argenteimarginatis - leaflets bordered by an uneven white stripe;
- Aureimarginatis - the border at the edges of the leaves has a golden yellow color;
- Annelise - due to the low chlorophyll content in the leaves, they are completely painted in a golden yellow color;
- Mazeri - a very sprawling, but undersized bush with leathery dark green leaves;
- Tsumugi Shibori - silver-white leaves covered with a green pattern along the veins.
Many gardeners are interested in the hybrid Fatsii ivy variety - fatshedera. The plant has the same large beautiful leaves, but thin flexible shoots. The stems are either tied to a support or left to hang from a hanging flowerpot.
Breeding rules
Fatsia is propagated by seeds, cuttings and layering. For seed propagation, you need to get fresh seeds. Immediately after collection, they are sown in separate pots or in shallow boxes with sand, turf and leafy soil. Landings close up to a depth of 1 cm. The container is covered with a film and placed in a dark room with an air temperature of + 25 ... + 27 ° C. Shoots appear after 25-30 days. Young seedlings grow whole leaves first. When they grow up, transplant in separate small pots. Grow them in a well-lit, warm place.
To propagate fatsia by cuttings, apical shoots with 1-2 leaves are cut. The best time for breeding is spring and summer. The cuttings are rooted in sandy peat soil at an air temperature of + 22 ... + 26 ° C. For several weeks it is kept under a transparent cap. When the kidneys begin to develop, the shelter can be removed.
An elongated lateral shoot without leaves is used to form an air layer. To do this, first cut off a section of the cortex in the form of a ring and wind the damaged area with moist moss. Moss must be constantly watered. After 1.5-2 months, the first roots will appear. The shoot is cut below the roots from the mother plant and immediately planted in a pot with soil for an adult plant.
Fatsia is very tenacious, it can be propagated even by pieces of the stem without leaves and buds. Such a segment is cut along in half and laid horizontally on the surface of the earth, slightly dabbing with soil. The pot is placed in a warm, bright place and sprayed regularly. Tiny processes will appear soon.
Home Care
Fatsia is an undemanding plant. It develops quite quickly and pleases with a spreading crown with beautiful large leaves.
Lighting. The flower feels good in the bright sun and partial shade. Variegated varieties need lighting more. Plants are exposed on the eastern or western windowsill. In the summer, on a hot afternoon, it is protected from direct sunlight. From April to September, Fatsia is best grown on a balcony or open veranda.
Temperature. In good light, Fatsia is comfortable at + 18 ... + 22 ° C. On hot days, it is necessary to ventilate the room more often. In winter, when daylight hours are reduced, it is kept at a temperature of + 10 ... + 15 ° C. Variegated plants are not recommended cooling below + 16 ° C.
Humidity. Fatsia prefers higher than average humidity. For this, the plant is regularly bathed and sprayed with leaves from the spray gun. In winter, in a cool room, spraying is not recommended, but do not put a flower near heating appliances.
Watering. Large Fatsia leaves evaporate a large amount of moisture, so you need to water it regularly. When the earth dries up, the leaves wither and wilt, again they can be lifted only with a support. Watering should be frequent and plentiful. Excess water is immediately poured from the sump.
Fertilizer. From April to October, three times a month, Fatsia is fertilized with mineral complexes for plants with decorative foliage. In winter, top dressing is not performed.
Diseases and pests. With improper care and violation of the irrigation regime, Fatsia suffers from fungal diseases (gray rot, root rot, powdery mildew). The affected plant slows down in growth and withers. A gray or whitish coating may appear on the leaves. In the early stages of the disease, transplantation and treatment with fungicide helps. Some diseased shoots are pruned and destroyed. Fatsia parasites rarely attack. It can be aphids, whiteflies, thrips, scutes, spider mites. Pests settle on a leaf, as a result, the leaflets are covered with small punctures, yellowish or gray spots. Bathing under a hot (45 ° C) shower and insecticide treatment (Karbofos, Actellik) helps to get rid of insects.
