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Fatsia 'Spider's Web'

Wendy Big BirdWendy Big Bird Posts: 4
in Problem solving

Hi All,

I have a young Fatsia Japonica which I think is the variety 'Spider's Web'. I bought it last autumn and the young leaves were mostly cream with green, now the new spring growth has arrived the leaves have reverted to green even as they have matured. I have it in a sunny position and am wondering is this a light issue (should I put it more in the shade), or do I need to cut out the green as you do with a lot of other variegated plants?

Posts

  • nutcutletnutcutlet Posts: 27,441

    Variegated shrubs often need the reverted green stems removed. I don't know this one but beware of those that start green and then develop variegation, don't cut til you're sure.



    In the sticks near Peterborough
  • Wendy Big BirdWendy Big Bird Posts: 4

    Thanks nutcutlet, will have to wait awhile then. If anybody else is an expert on the variegated fatsia, all replies would be welcome.

  • Aurum66Aurum66 Posts: 65
    wI'd be interested to know if you managed to restore it's vareigation ? I have the same problem. Leaves which started with a beautiful marbling have all reverted to green. It's potted at the moment as I couldn't decide the best place to put it. It's been in shade, full sun and partial shade. Nothing seems to make a difference. I think I plant it and just enjoy it for it's leaves as I did with it's predecessors
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,099
    It's just reverting Aurum, as previously mentioned in this thread. As Wendy BB has only made 2 posts, it's clear she doesn't contribute regularly to the forum, so she may not ever respond :)
    In pots  [unless it's a really massive one ] they will be more stressed, which won't help. If you can get it into the ground that will help. The dry weather will have stressed it more - hard to keep them well enough hydrated in pots, even in an average year. They like moist conditions best, and will also cope with a sunnier spot better if they aren't too dry.  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Wendy Big BirdWendy Big Bird Posts: 4
    Evening Fairygirl and Aurum 66 😄, 
    You’re right, I don’t contribute regularly to the forum. In fact, I had forgotten I had asked the question at all as it was 5 years ago. Email is a wonderful thing! But in response, I have let my Fatsia do it’s own thing and moved it into semi-shade still in it’s pot. It hasn’t grown large because of it’s restriction, but the white pigment is now more prevalent especially in the more shaded ‘under’ leaves which indicates to me that it may have been a light issue after all. 
    I have also noticed this in some of my almost white and pale green acers. I guess as Monty says ‘ the right plant for the right place’ is the best advice really, just keep trying to find where it’s happiest. Sorry I can’t give a definitive answer, but keep trying it’s worth it 👍. 
  • FairygirlFairygirl Posts: 55,099
    Hi Wendy - that was good of you to respond. Often people have a single query and  don't return to the forum once they have an answer  :)
    Fatsia enjoy shade, and as you've discovered, most variegated plants tend to  keep their variegation better if they have a bit of shade. 
    Glad your plant is doing well. I'm sure your reply will help Aurum  :)
    It's a place where beautiful isn't enough of a word....



    I live in west central Scotland - not where that photo is...
  • Wendy Big BirdWendy Big Bird Posts: 4
    Your welcome 😄
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