The Elegant Spinach Aralia

 

Today I spotted this lovely and elegant Spinach Aralia growing in my own living room! It's a touch of living luxury that is easy to grow, if you have the right instructions. I will pass them on below. It's deep green and curled leaves resemble spinach which is how it got its name. It's lived with me for several years.

 

The Spinach Aralia is a slow grower and so interesting to watch as its trunk grows with twists and turns. How much it is in will affect how it grows; it almost seems to make its own choices in positioning and twisting its branches, as it grows. (Really, plants don't make conscious decisions :)

In an official botanical way, the Spinach Aralia is of the genus Polyscias. The Polyscias or Aralia plants are tropical evergreens that naturally grow in New Caledonia, India, and Polynesia. Horticulturists were surprised at first to discover how well they adapted to the indoors. I love their exotic beauty and how easy it is to keep them. I own several species.   

Care Instructions---

• Bright indirect light to some direct sun. Full afternoon sun may prove to be too strong.   Directly in front of a north or east facing window will work out well.
• For all Aralias:  Water when the top of the soil is dry. They like a good soak but not to sit in water for long.
• in a 6" (15 cm) diameter pot, water with 1 pint of water (almost 1/2 liter)
• in a 10"(25 cm) diameter pot will use about 2 quarts of water (or 2 liters) when necessary
• in a 14" (35 cm) diameter pot, use 1 gallon of water (almost 4 liters)
• Fertilize regularly for best growth.
• Misting daily with water would be appreciated but is not necessary. 
• Once in awhile clean the leaves in the shower or outdoors with a hose on gentle spray. You can mix up about a tsp. of mild dishwashing soap in a pint bottle and soap up the leaves first.  

 ~~~~~

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

 

 The Indoor Garden TV

©2014

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. 

~~~~~

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

©2013