The Aralia Fabian (Polyscias scutellaria ‘Fabian’) is a distinctive houseplant known for its unique architectural presence and sturdy, tree-like form. Its rounded, dark green, glossy leaves create striking foliage, making it a captivating addition to indoor settings.
Understanding Aralia Fabian
The Aralia Fabian is native to the Pacific Islands, including New Guinea and Polynesia. It is also known as Fabian Aralia, Ming Aralia, Plum Aralia, or Shield Aralia. This plant grows upright with a thick, woody trunk. Its leaves are deep green on top, often with a plum or maroon tint underneath, and have a unique scalloped, rounded “dinner plate” appearance. While large in nature, indoor plants typically reach 3 to 5 feet, suiting interior spaces.
Aralia Fabian Care Guide
Light
Aralia Fabian thrives in bright, indirect light. An east or north-facing window with filtered sunlight is ideal. While it tolerates medium light, direct sun can scorch leaves, causing browning. Insufficient light may lead to slower growth or leggy stems. Rotate the plant regularly for even growth.
Watering
To prevent root rot, allow the soil to dry slightly between waterings. Water when the top 1 to 2 inches of soil are dry. Watering frequency depends on the season, with more needed in warmer months and less in winter. Use room-temperature, filtered, or distilled water, as these plants are sensitive to tap water chemicals.
Soil and Potting
Aralia Fabian needs a well-draining potting mix, often enhanced with perlite or coarse sand. An acidic to neutral loamy soil rich in organic matter is preferred. Repotting is infrequent due to its moderate growth rate, typically every two to three years or when root-bound. When repotting, choose a container only one size larger.
Temperature and Humidity
Aralia Fabian thrives in consistent temperatures, ideally 65°F to 80°F (18°C to 27°C). It is sensitive to cold drafts and sudden fluctuations, which can cause leaf drop. As a tropical plant, it appreciates moderate to high humidity. Increase humidity by using a pebble tray, a humidifier, or occasional misting.
Fertilizing
During spring and summer, fertilize the Aralia Fabian every one to two months with a balanced, water-soluble liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. This provides essential nutrients for foliage development. Reduce or stop fertilization in fall and winter when growth slows. Over-fertilizing can cause salt buildup and leaf tip burn.
Pruning
Pruning Aralia Fabian maintains its shape, controls size, and encourages bushier growth. Trim leggy or overgrown branches with clean, sharp shears. Pinching stem tips also promotes denser foliage. Prune during spring or early summer, its active growth period. Do not remove more than one-third of the foliage annually to avoid stressing the plant.
Common Issues and Solutions
Aralia Fabian plants exhibit signs when conditions are not optimal. Leaf drop is a common issue, often triggered by sudden temperature changes, cold drafts, or inconsistent watering. Ensuring a stable environment and maintaining a consistent watering schedule mitigate this. Yellowing leaves typically indicate overwatering or poor drainage, suggesting a need to check soil moisture and adjust watering routines. Brown leaf tips often point to low humidity, which can be addressed by increasing ambient moisture around the plant.
While generally resistant, Aralia Fabians can occasionally attract common houseplant pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Regular inspection of the foliage helps in early detection. If pests are found, prompt treatment with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil can help control infestations.
Aralia Fabian Flowers
The “flower” aspect of the Aralia Fabian is often a point of curiosity for plant owners. While Polyscias scutellaria ‘Fabian’ is capable of producing flowers, these are typically small, inconspicuous, and greenish-white. They rarely appear on indoor plants, as the conditions required for flowering are seldom met within a typical home environment. The plant is primarily cultivated and appreciated for its distinctive, lush foliage and unique tree-like form. Therefore, expectations for indoor flowering should be managed, as its ornamental value lies in its leaves rather than its blooms.
Toxicity Information
The Aralia Fabian is considered to have some level of toxicity to both humans and pets. If ingested, the plant can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, such as vomiting or drooling, in cats and dogs. Some sources also mention potential skin irritation or rash upon contact with the plant’s sap. Although it is not typically considered life-threatening, it is advisable to exercise caution. To ensure the safety of household members and pets, it is recommended to keep the Aralia Fabian out of reach of curious children and animals.