Gold Dust Plant (Aucuba japonica) Care: Spotted Shade Lover

Cheery Speckles

Aucuba japonica ‘Variegata’ has green leaves heavily dusted with gold-yellow spots. Compact, upright, adaptable—easy success indoors.

Care Essentials

• Light: Bright indirect. Cool morning sun OK.
• Water: Spring–fall: evenly moist. Winter: cut back.
• Humidity: Moderate.
• Temp: Cool, 45–65°F. Tolerates to 5°F (outdoor shrub in zones).
• Soil: Any good mix.
• Fertilizer: Monthly spring–fall, half-strength balanced liquid.

Maintenance

• Prune hard in spring (45° angle above node) to keep small and branched.
• Repot spring every 2–3 years, 1 size up. Large plants: top-dress (replace top 2–3 in).
• Wipe spotted leaves to keep dust-free.

Propagation

Seeds spring, or 4-inch stem cuttings spring/summer in moist mix.

Male/female plants—need both for red winter berries.