Fatsia japonica Spiders Web

A how-to production guide

Fatsia japonica Spiders Web features large leaves that emerge frosted in white webbing-like patterns that fade to subdued green with age. This unusual variegation changes with each leaf and season. Perfect for shady locations, Spiders Web will take morning sun. It’s great for gardens, patios or interiors. A vigorous grower, Spiders Web prefers rich, moist soil and frequent watering, especially during summer. It bears large white flower clusters in winter and grows to 5 feet tall by 5 feet wide. Hardy in Zone 7 and up.
 

Production:

  • Pot up liners as soon as possible after delivery. Plant deep to ensure the base of the plant is covered with soil and the plant is stable.
  • Plant one tissue-cultured young plant per 6 or 8 inch (15 to 20 cm) pot. Plants will finish in 16 to 20 weeks.
  • Use a well-drained, fibrous peat-based soil mix (1:1:1: ratio of peat, perlite and bark) with a pH of 5.8 to 6.2 and electrical conductivity (EC) of 1.0.
  • Provide a constant liquid fertilization at 150 ppm nitrogen. If incorporating a slow-release fertilizer, use a medium recommended rate.
  • Water frequently but avoid media saturation as too much water could lead to root rot. Do not over water plants after planting.
  • Provide daytime temperatures of 68 to 90° F (20 to 32° C) and nighttime temperatures of 60 to 72° F (15 to 22° C).
  • Fatsia prefers shade to partial shade. Provide 1,500 to 2,500 foot candles or medium light levels. Higher light may cause yellowing and susceptibility to diseases.
  • If plants are provided good ventilation and grown on benches, pests and diseases are generally not an issue. Monitor and scout carefully for aphids, mealy bugs, scale, thrips and spider mites. Consider a preventive fungicide drench. Keep foliage dry to avoid foliar diseases.

     

Did you know?
Fatsia are native to Japan, and very large Fatsias are sometimes trained into a single stem for a unique, tree-like appearance. Some call them ivy on steroids.

November 2014
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