How to Fertilize Fatsia Plant

Fatsia japonica

Reviewed by Kiersten Rankel M.S.

Quick Answer

Feed Fatsia Plant with a balanced fertilizer (10-10-10) at half strength every two weeks in spring and summer. Taper in fall and stop for winter.

When Should I Start Feeding My Fatsia Plant?

Fatsia is hardy in zones 8a through 10b, and feeding should begin in early spring when you see new leaf buds unfurling at the branch tips.

Pacific Feb–Oct

Mountain May–Sep

Midwest Apr–Sep

Northeast Apr–Sep

Southeast Mar–Oct

Stay on top of plant care

Get seasonal reminders for watering and fertilizing — personalized for your plants.

Try Greg Free

How Often Should I Fertilize My Fatsia Plant?

Feed every two weeks from spring through late summer at half strength. Fatsia puts out large leaves quickly during warm months and appreciates steady nutrients.

In early fall, switch to monthly feeding. Stop entirely by November when growth slows, even if the plant is indoors.

Yellowing lower leaves during the growing season can signal that your Fatsia needs more nitrogen. If the soil is staying moist and light is adequate, try feeding a bit more often.

Feeding Calendar

Spring & Summer

Half-strength balanced liquid every 2 weeks

Early Fall

Half-strength monthly

Late Fall & Winter

No feeding

What Is the Best Fertilizer for Fatsia Plant?

Fatsia does well with a balanced liquid fertilizer in a ratio like 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 diluted to half strength. The balanced formula supports both its large, glossy leaves and its clusters of creamy white flowers in late fall.

Liquid fertilizer is the easiest option for indoor Fatsia because you can mix it right into your watering routine. If your Fatsia is planted outdoors, a slow-release granular applied once in early spring works well too.

Fatsia is not fussy about fertilizer type. The main thing is consistency during the growing season and holding back in winter.

Synthetic

Jack's Classic All Purpose 20-20-20

Balanced, highly soluble formula. Mix 1/2 teaspoon per gallon for Fatsia's half-strength feeding.

Dyna-Gro Foliage-Pro 9-3-6

Complete liquid with all 16 essential nutrients. Good choice if you want to emphasize leaf growth on indoor Fatsia. Mix 1/4 tsp per gallon.

Organic

Liqui-Dirt Organic Concentrate

Gentle, all-in-one organic liquid with mycorrhizae. One scoop per gallon makes feeding simple.

Fish emulsion 5-1-1

Reliable nitrogen source for big-leaved plants. The smell is strong outdoors but fades within a day. Dilute to half strength.

Worm castings

Work a thin layer into the top inch of soil every couple of months. A gentle, slow-release option that pairs well with liquid feeds.

How Do I Fertilize My Fatsia Plant?

Water the soil first

Water your Fatsia thoroughly a day before or the morning of feeding. Moist soil helps distribute the fertilizer evenly and protects the roots.

Dilute to half strength

Mix your balanced liquid fertilizer at half the label rate. For a typical 10-10-10 concentrate, that is about 1/2 teaspoon per gallon of water.

Pour around the drip line

Apply the solution in a ring around the outer edge of the pot where the roots are most active. Avoid pouring directly against the stem.

Let it drain

Allow excess water to flow out the drainage holes. Empty the saucer after 15 minutes so the roots do not sit in fertilizer runoff.

Clean any splashes from the leaves

If fertilizer solution lands on the large leaves, wipe it off with a damp cloth. Dried fertilizer can leave spots on Fatsia's glossy foliage.

Got More Questions?

Can I use coffee grounds on my Fatsia Plant?

Fatsia tolerates slightly acidic soil, so a small amount of used coffee grounds mixed into the topsoil once in a while is fine. Do not overdo it, as too much can compact the soil and attract fungus gnats.

What happens if I over-fertilize my Fatsia?

Leaf edges will turn brown and crispy, and you may see white salt crust on the soil surface. Flush the pot with plain water several times and skip feeding for a month.

Should I fertilize Fatsia differently indoors vs outdoors?

Indoor Fatsia gets less light, so it grows a bit slower. Feed at the same half-strength concentration but stretch feedings to every three weeks indoors if growth seems modest.

My Fatsia's lower leaves are turning yellow. Is it hungry?

If the soil is moist and the plant gets enough light, yellowing lower leaves during the growing season can mean it needs more nitrogen. Try feeding every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer and see if new growth looks healthier.

Does Fatsia need special fertilizer to bloom?

Fatsia blooms in late fall and does not need a high-phosphorus boost. A balanced fertilizer through the growing season gives it everything it needs to set flower clusters naturally.

Stay on top of plant care

Get seasonal reminders for watering and fertilizing — personalized for your plants.

Try Greg Free

About This Article

Kiersten Rankel M.S.

Botanical Data Lead at Greg · Plant Scientist

About the Author

Kiersten Rankel holds an M.S. in Ecology & Evolutionary Biology from Tulane University. A certified Louisiana Master Naturalist, she has over a decade of experience in science communication, with research spanning corals, cypress trees, marsh grasses, and more. At Greg, she curates species data and verifies care recommendations against botanical research.

See Kiersten Rankel's full background on LinkedIn.

Editorial Process

Fertilizer recommendations verified against Fatsia japonica growth data from Greg's botanical database, cross-referenced with USDA hardiness zone data and published horticultural research.

1,968+ Greg users growing this plant

USDA hardiness zones 8a–10b

Citations:
NC State Extension
Missouri Botanical Garden
Clemson Cooperative Extension

Explore more care for Fatsia Plant

Annual Benefits Bugs Care Indoors Care Outdoors Companion Plants Direct Sunlight Flower Flower Problems Hardiness Zone How to Grow How to Plant Humidity Landscaping Ideas Black Spots on Leaves Brown Spots on Leaves Leaves Curling Leaves Drooping Leaves Dropping Leaves Falling Over Leaves Mushy Yellow Leaves Lifecycle Light Requirements Overview Perennial Pollination Problems Propagating Repotting Root Rot Roots Size Temperature Varieties How Often to Water Weeds What Eats When to Plant Where to Plant Wilting Winter