Aucuba japonica 'Variegata'

Autumn-Spring · Indoors

Balanced feed monthly while in growth

Give the plant a balanced houseplant feed monthly while in growth.

Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), with percentage values for each, choose one where the values are more or less equal.

Spring-Autumn · Indoors

Water regularly during growth

Water regularly while in growth

Adopt a regime whereby plants are thoroughly watered every week so that they do not become dessicated. In hot weather watering may need to be more frequent, but less often in cool or moist conditions.

Spring - late · Outdoors

Feed with slow release fertiliser

Apply a general purpose slow release fertiliser, spreading it around the root area of the plant as it is coming into growth. (Or apply a liquid feed at regular intervals throughout the growing season.)

This is a simple way to provide a nutrient boost as a single annual procedure.

Spring-Autumn · Outdoors

Water in dry periods

Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.

Winter · Indoors

Water moderately in winter

Water moderately.

Give a small amount of water so that the plant doesn't become flaccid (leaves lose their firmness and may droop or look lifeless), or dessicated, but do not saturate the compost or leave it standing in water.

Outdoor planting · Planting

Add root growth stimulant to the planting hole

Mycorrhizal fungi helps roots establish quickly, so they absorb water and nutrients more efficiently. It comes as a powder, granule or gel. Add to the planting hole or container, and to the plant's rootball before planting in the hole. For "bareroot" plants use a gel.

Compost · Planting

Houseplant compost for repotting

Repot using any good quality house plant compost.

Hedges · Planting

Slow growing hedge

This makes a handsome hedge over time, but it is slow-growing.

Indoor temperature · Planting

-15C minimum temperature

This plant requires a minimum temperature of -15 Centigrade.

Indoor plant · Planting

Position in a poorly lit / shady spot

Give this plant a fully shaded position at all times, well away from sunny or bright windows. The plant does need some light however, so do not keep it in a room without any natural daylight.