Variegated Aralia plants (Polyscias fruticosa)
Aralia plant (Polyscias fruticosa) is an attractive and very common houseplant in India. Its glossy green leaves are perfect for indoor growing. These leaves are typically white, green, or cream. For best results, place this plant in a partially sunny location. The aralia stem is woody, curved in places, and provides an attractive structure and form. These plants thrive well indoors in both natural light and dim light, making them excellent choices for indoor gardening. This plant is toxic to pets, so keep it out of reach of dogs and cats.
Overview for Aralia plants :
Scientific name: Polyscias fruticosa
Common name: Aralia, Ming aralia,
Plant type: Houseplant
Sun requires: Indirect sunlight
Soil: Well-drained, rich soil
Soil pH: 6.0 and 7.0
Hardiness Zone: 10-12
Growing and Care Tips for Aralia plants:
Light:
Aralia prefers bright, indirect sunlightalthough you can also place it in a dimly lit area. Direct, intense sunlight can damage its leaves and cause scorching. You can place the plant near a window that receives indirect light. You can also place it under a tree in filtered sunlight.
Watering:
This plant requires regular wateringbut too much water can cause root rot. Check the top of the soil before wateringand only if it’s dry. Aralias need consistent moisture, but avoid excessive wetting. Reduce watering in winter to once a week.
Temperature:
Aralia plants thrive best between 16°- 29°C, but die at higher temperatures. They shed their leaves during the colder, drier months of winter.
Humidity:
Humidity levels of 50% or higher are best for the Aralia plant. When growing indoors, you can maintain humidity by using a pebble tray. In tropical regions, mist the plant’s leaves with water to increase humidity.
Soil :
Use rich, well-drained soil for Polyscias fruticosa plants. Although these plants prefer moisture, avoid keeping the soil wet for long periods of time. Prepare a potting soil mixture by mixing garden soil with perlite, peat moss, or cow dung manure. A terracotta pot is ideal for this plant. Before planting, check the pot for adequate drainage holes.
Fertilizer:
Provide your aralia plant with a balanced fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring through fall). Fertilizing during the growing season is ideal for proper plant growth.
Pruning & Maintenance:
Prune in spring to control the plant’s height and maintain its proper shape. Remove dead, yellowed leaves and dead branches.
Propagation:
You can grow new plants from 4- to 5-inch-long green stem cuttings in spring. Propagating from cuttings is easy. You can use rooting hormone to encourage quick rooting. Keep the planted cuttings in adequate heat and indirect sunlight and provide moisture; roots will emerge in a few weeks.
Pests and Diseases:
Some leaf drop and root rot are common problems with this plant. Temperature changes and low humidity can sometimes cause the plant to lose its leaves. Overwatering can also cause the leaves to wilt. Common pests like mealybugs and spider mites affect the plant. You can get rid of the problem by spraying neem oil.
Happy gardening!
Read also:
Murraya paniculata (Table Kamini) miniature plant growing guide. How to grow Dieffenbachia houseplants. 9 Houseplants you can totally neglect. How to keep yourIndoor Plants healthy and happy. Growing and caring for Ixora houseplants. Flowering. Coleus Plants growing and care tips.
For Pin :
