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Spider's Web Fatsia

Plant care guide

How to care for Spider's Web Fatsia

Fatsia japonica 'Spider's Web'

Care level: ModerateNon-toxic to cats & dogs

Spider's Web Fatsia has large, glossy, hand-shaped leaves speckled and netted with creamy white, giving it a bold, painterly look. It is a cool-loving shrub that does well in bright rooms that stay on the cooler side.

Also known as: Spider's Web Fatsia, Fatsia japonica, Japanese Aralia, Paperplant, Fatsi, Glossy-leaf Paper Plant, Variegated Fatsia

Just arrived? Your first week at home

  1. Unbox right away and let any folded leaves relax; they usually spring back within a day or two.
  2. Place it in bright, indirect light in a room that stays fairly cool, away from radiators and heater vents.
  3. Check the soil; water if the top inch is dry, otherwise wait a few days.
  4. A drooping or yellowing leaf or two is normal after shipping.
  5. Avoid placing it right against hot windows in summer or cold glass in winter.
  6. Wait about two weeks before repotting.

Every plant is covered by our 30-day plant health guarantee. If your plant arrived damaged or isn't doing well, email a few photos to support@rootandreachbotanicals.com and we'll help you troubleshoot or make it right.

Light

Bright, indirect light is best, such as near an east or north window or a few feet back from a west window. The variegated leaves can burn in direct afternoon sun. In dim light the white speckling fades and growth becomes leggy.

Water

Water when the top inch of soil is dry, usually every 7 to 10 days in spring and summer and less often in winter. Water thoroughly and do not let it sit in water. Drooping leaves with dry soil mean it is thirsty, while yellowing leaves with soggy soil point to overwatering.

Humidity

Average household humidity is fine, though it appreciates a little extra in dry winter homes. A pebble tray or humidifier helps prevent brown edges.

Temperature

Fatsia prefers cooler temperatures, ideally 55 to 75 F. It struggles in hot, dry rooms and appreciates a cool spot (around 50 to 60 F) in winter. Keep it away from heat sources.

Soil & repotting

Use a quality, well-draining potting mix with some perlite. Repot every one to two years in spring as it grows quickly, going up one pot size into a pot with drainage.

Feeding

Feed every two to four weeks in spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer at half strength. Stop feeding in fall and winter.

Troubleshooting common problems

  • Brown, crispy leaf edgeshot dry air or underwatering; move to a cooler spot and raise humidity.
  • Yellow lower leavesoverwatering or natural aging; check soil moisture.
  • Drooping leaveseither very dry soil or too much heat; water and move to a cooler location.
  • White speckling fadingtoo little light; move to a brighter spot.
  • Spider mites or scaleinspect leaf undersides and treat with insecticidal soap.

Tips to help it thrive

  • Wipe the big leaves with a damp cloth occasionally to keep them glossy and free of dust.
  • Prune leggy stems in spring to keep it bushy.
  • It makes an excellent plant for a bright, cool entryway or bedroom where many tropical plants would struggle.

Pet safety

Spider's Web Fatsia is listed as non-toxic to cats and dogs by the ASPCA. As with any houseplant, it's still best to discourage pets from chewing the leaves, which can cause a mild upset stomach.

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