Contact us
Fatsia Leaf

Photo: Orengi Harvey · CC BY-SA 4.0 · Wikimedia Commons

foliage · easy · mid

Fatsia Leaf

Fatsia japonica · aka Japanese aralia, glossy-leaf paper plant, fatsia

Fatsia japonica supplies large, glossy, deeply lobed leaves shaped like an open hand, bringing bold tropical structure to designs. Its architectural foliage anchors modern arrangements, large-scale installations and statement bouquets with a single dramatic leaf. Rich green and hard-wearing, it also appears in cream-variegated forms for extra impact. Florists prize its clean lines, sculptural silhouette and long-lasting durability.

At a glance
FamilyAraliaceae
OriginJapan and South Korea
Peak seasonSeptember, October, November
AvailabilityJanuary, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December
Stem length30–60 cm
Vase life10–21 days
Colorsgreen, variegated
Price tiermid
Conditioning

Cut the stem at an angle and wipe the leaf clean before a deep drink of cool water. Fatsia is robust and rarely wilts once well hydrated; keep it cool and out of direct sun. Handle the broad leaves gently to avoid creasing or tearing. Recut and refresh the water to extend its long life.

Where flowers grow
Care in the vase
  • •Cut stems on an angle
  • •Wipe leaves to a shine
  • •Hydrate deeply before use
  • •Handle broad leaves gently
  • •Keep cool and out of sun
Design role & symbolism
Symbolismboldness, protection, vitality, tropical abundance
Occasionswedding, modern wedding, tropical wedding, installation, tall arrangements, corporate
foliagegreeneryarchitecturaltropicaldramaticlong-lastingmodern
Symbolism
Fatsia Leaf →
Colors
Green Flowers →
Articles about Fatsia Leaf
Bouquet BuilderBouquet Builder — by Lacy Bird

Design the bouquet. See it as a photo.

Botanical reference

Common name
Fatsia
Also known as
Japanese aralia, glossy-leaf paper plant, fatsia, Aralia brownii, Aralia japonica, Aralia sieboldii, Aralia sieboldii moseri, Aralia sieboldii variegata, Dimorphanthus japonicus, Echinopanax japonicus, Fatsia japonica liukiuensis, Fatsia japonica lobulata
Distribution
Japan, Jardín Botánico de Bogotá, Korea, Nansei-shoto
Uses
houseplant, ornamental plant, food, medicinal plant

Open-data sources: GBIF, Wikidata (CC0/CC BY)

Frequently asked questions

When is Fatsia Leaf in season?

Fatsia Leaf peaks in September, October, November, and florists can usually source it January, February, March, April, May, June, July, August, September, October, November, December. Availability shifts by region and greenhouse supply.

How long does Fatsia Leaf last in a vase?

Expect 10–21 days with proper conditioning — a clean vase, fresh water every couple of days, flower food, and a cool spot away from ripening fruit and direct heat.

What can I use instead of Fatsia Leaf?

Good substitutes for Fatsia Leaf include Monstera Leaf, Magnolia Leaf, Salal. Match on look, colour and season — our substitute finder ranks the closest alternatives.

What does Fatsia Leaf symbolise?

Fatsia Leaf is associated with boldness, protection, vitality, tropical abundance.

How do you care for cut Fatsia Leaf?

Cut stems on an angle

Related flowers

Sources

  1. GBIF — Global Biodiversity Information Facility — Fatsia japonica, taxonomy, synonyms and native range (3039046)
  2. POWO — Plants of the World Online (Royal Botanic Gardens, Kew) — Fatsia japonica, accepted botanical name and distribution (IPNI 90496-1)
  3. Wikidata — Fatsia japonica, identifiers and names in other languages (Q203569)
  4. Acanta master catalogue — vase life, seasonality and origin of commercial varieties (Lacy Bird studio data)
  5. Practical advice: working experience of the Lacy Bird studio (since 2012) and Lacy Bird Academy.
Cite this page
Licence & terms →

Free to quote and cite with attribution and a link back, for non-commercial and editorial use (blogs, journalism, classrooms, research).

Text citation
Lacy Bird Flower Encyclopedia — “Fatsia Leaf”. https://lacybird.com/flowers/fatsia-leaf/
HTML (copy & paste)
<a href="https://lacybird.com/flowers/fatsia-leaf/">Lacy Bird Flower Encyclopedia — Fatsia Leaf</a>
Bouquet Builder — by Lacy BirdDesign the bouquet. See it as a photo.Try Bouquet Builder free
Available languages