THE INFLUENCE OF EXPOSURE ON THE ACCLIMATIZATION AND FOLIAR RESPONSE OF FATSIA JAPONICA 'Spider's Web' DURING OUTDOOR WINTERING

Rezumat

Plants cultivated indoors are generally maintained under relatively stable temperature, humidity, and light conditions, which may differ considerably from those encountered in outdoor environments. Their transfer to outdoor conditions during winter may represent a significant challenge, particularly when plants are exposed to low temperatures, frost, and fluctuations in weather conditions. Such environmental changes may affect leaf appearance and condition, as well as the plants’ ability to withstand outdoor winter conditions.
The present study investigates the acclimatization of Fatsia japonica 'Spider's Web' specimens under winter conditions in Bucharest, Romania. The experiment comparatively evaluated specimens maintained under partial shade and those exposed to direct morning
sunlight in an east-facing position. Observations were conducted throughout the wintering period, with particular emphasis on the foliar response of the plants under the two exposure conditions. The aim of the study was to evaluate the overwintering response of Fatsia japonica 'Spider's Web' under outdoor winter conditions in Bucharest, with particular emphasis on survival, vegetative characteristics, foliar damage and subsequent recovery and reproductive development under contrasting exposure conditions.