Another Aralia

Polyscias guilfoulei

This is another one of my graceful Aralias. Its botanical name is Polyscias guilfoulei but you will see most Polyscias specimens commercially sold as Aralias. They are such lovely and easy-to-grow plants that I have several, which have lived with me for many years. This one adds life and softness to a guest bedroom.  

It is about 15 years old but I've been able to keep it medium sized with some occasional pruning.  Aralias can stay in a 10" (25cm) diameter or larger pot for many years if you re-pot  them in the same container with fresh soil every few years or so. When repotting into a same size container, prune some roots around the outside of the rootball and some of the foliage. They are generally fairly slow growers and this would only need be done every five years or so.

These gracious beauties are Polynesian natives. I'm sure they are well appreciated there!

There are other Aralia species on this blog if you are looking for a specific one. Their care is the same as this one.

Care Instructions---

• Very bright indirect light or some direct sun works best. Placed right in front of a north or east-facing window would be ideal.
• Water your plant when the top of the soil is dry. This plant in a 10" (25cm) pot should be watered with about 2 quarts or 2 liters of water when necessary.  They thrive on a good soak. You should make sure they do not sit in water for very long. Remove any excess water from it's saucer within 24 hours.
• Fertilize regularly. 
• They can be pruned to shape. The cuttings from any pruned branches will usually root well in water. 

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

©2013

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

©2013