Care of the indoor plant Polyscias balfouriana or Aralia Balfour |
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The genus Polyscias, family Araliaceae, comprises 100 species of shrubs and trees native to tropical regions of the Pacific and Australia. Some species are: Polyscias balfouriana, Polyscias fruticosa, Polyscias filicifolia. Common names: Aralia Balfour, Balfour Polyscias, Dinner Plate Aralia. This species is native to New Guinea and Australia. They are slow-growing perennial shrubs that reach 1 meter (3.28 feet) in height in a pot. The attractive and elegant leaves are bright green and rounded in shape; there are variegated varieties. They do not usually bloom. They are used as indoor and greenhouse plants. In tropical regions they are used as isolated specimens or in groups next to a wall. The Polyscias balfouriana needs a very illuminated exposure but without direct sun and a high humidity. They do not resist temperatures below 18 ºC (64.4 ºF). The soil can be a mixture of 1/3 peat, 1/3 coarse sand, and 1/3 leaf mulch. Transplant each year in spring to a pot a larger measure. Regularly water a small amount of water; wait until the substrate surface is dry. It's important that the ambient humidity is medium-high; Place a plate with wet pebbles under the pot. They do not need pruning. Fertilize every 15 days with mineral fertilizer during spring and summer. If the environmental humidity is low or they suffer from drought, they can be attacked by mealybugs and mites. They are propagated from apical cuttings but it's not a simple process; it's more advisable to acquire new plants in garden centers and nurseries. |
Images of the indoor plant Polyscias balfouriana or Aralia Balfour |
 Polyscias balfouriana  Polyscias balfouriana  Polyscias balfouriana  Polyscias scutellaria Fabian |