My Aralia Balfouriana 'Alstro'

 

This was sold to me many years ago, as an Aralia balfouriana 'Alstro'. I have not seen one since then! This particular plant was patented and I suspect production was halted at some point. It a hybrid of the Aralia balfouriana and sometimes I do see other new hybrids on the market. Most Aralias sold on the market are botanically known as Polyscias.

I truly appreciate  the Aralia family. These lovely elegant, yet sturdy plants are a study in natural beauty. Their soft  and intricately shaped leaves and twisted, willowy branches are a pleasantly interesting sight. At best, plants, like the other living things around you are for you to enjoy and experience what really works for their happiness and yours.  

The Aralias will grow with you, through the years, into beautiful examples of the loveliness of life. They only require a minimum of effort. Even if they've been neglected for awhile and appear to decline they will grow back beautifully again, when they are given proper care.  The Aralias are one forgiving family of plants!

It is easy to succeed with Aralias and that will bolster your confidence in your ability to grow plants indoors. 

   

Care Instructions--

• Watering is crucial to the success of growing aralias. They like a good, thorough soak when the top of the soil is dry. 
• The Aralia pictured here gets 1/2 gallon or about 2 liters of water when the top of the soil is dry. It is in a 10" or 25 cm diameter pot.
• Water enough so the water drains through a little, but don't let it sit with water in its saucer for very long. 
• Keep your Aralia in very bright light. Some direct sun is best. Full afternoon sun may be too much.  
• They can be pruned to shape. 
• They do not mind being fairly root bound for long periods of time.
• A gentle shower to clean the leaves from time to time either outdoors or in your bathtub is very helpful.  
• Fertilize regularly.

How to care for an Aralia or Polyscias species

I had to clean up my Aralia balfouriana hybrid today. From time to time it is a very good idea to give your plants a good clean-up. Dust happens! It really does allow them to breathe better and to take in more light with clean leaves! Fortunately, this one fits in the bathtub. A gentle but thorough shower with a spray bottle or a shower head that can be adjusted to a light flow will work wonders.  

The elegant and graceful Aralia family is fascinating. It includes the genus Polyscias, Fatsia and Dizygotheca. Commercially, many of them are called Aralia something.  The one pictured here, while sold as an Aralia Balfouriana, is actually a Polyscias species. They grow quite easily in the right conditions and can live with you for years. They can stay contained in pots that are 8"-16" in diameter for years with some occasional pruning and soil refreshing every few years. The one pictured here is over 12 years old. 

They are very forgiving of setbacks. If yours has been neglected, it can bounce back beautifully. Place it in good light and water correctly. You may want to give it a shower, too. Clean leaves take in more light and breathe easier! 

Care Instructions--

• Strong indirect light to some direct sun is their preference. Full afternoon sun may be too much. They seem to be more susceptible to insects in full sun. 
• They love a good soak when they need water.  As soon as the top of the soil is dry give them enough water so that some comes out into its saucer.
• An Aralia in an 8"diameter container should be watered with a quart (about 1 liter) of water when ready.
  
• An Aralia in a 10"diameter (25cm) pot can take 2 quarts or almost 2 liters of water when necessary. 
• An Aralia in a 14" diameter  (35cm) will take about 1 gallon or almost 4 liters of water.
  
• A daily mist of water can be helpful in order to provide extra humidity.
• Fertilize regularly.

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  ***To watch short video clips on plant care from my 90's TV series, click below:

 
  The Indoor Garden TV

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