The Aralia Balfour Lemon Lime (Polyscias pinnatta ‘Lemon Lime’ or Polyscias balfouriana ‘Lemon Lime’) is a popular houseplant known for its distinctive variegated foliage. This tropical plant, native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, features glossy, rounded leaves with vibrant green and lime-green hues. Its upright, often columnar growth habit allows it to reach heights of four to six feet indoors.
Aralia Balfour Lemon Lime Care
Light
Aralia Balfour Lemon Lime thrives in locations receiving bright, indirect light. Placing the plant near a window with eastern exposure or a few feet from a south or west-facing window is often ideal. While it can tolerate lower light levels, growth may become less dense, and the plant might appear leggy. Direct, intense sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves, leading to unsightly burns.
Watering
Consistent moisture is beneficial for the Aralia Balfour Lemon Lime, but avoid waterlogging the soil. Allow the top one to two inches of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while prolonged dryness can cause leaves to wilt or drop.
Soil
A well-draining potting mix that retains some moisture is suitable for this plant. A blend of standard potting soil amended with perlite or orchid bark enhances drainage and aeration, preventing the soil from becoming overly compact.
Temperature and Humidity
Aralia Balfour Lemon Lime prefers warm environments, ideally maintaining temperatures between 65°F and 80°F (18°C to 27°C). It is sensitive to cold drafts and abrupt temperature shifts, which can stress the plant and cause leaf loss. Humidity levels of 50% or higher are appreciated. To increase ambient humidity, consider regular misting, grouping plants together, or placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, ensuring the pot does not sit directly in the water.
Fertilizing
During the plant’s active growing season, typically spring and summer, a balanced liquid fertilizer (such as a 10-10-10 NPK ratio) should be applied. Fertilize monthly or every four to six weeks, diluting the fertilizer to half the recommended strength to prevent nutrient burn. Reduce or cease fertilization during the dormant fall and winter months, as the plant’s growth slows considerably.
Common Problems and Troubleshooting
Pests
Aralia Balfour Lemon Lime plants can be susceptible to common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Regular inspection of the leaves, especially the undersides, helps in early detection of signs such as webbing, cottony masses, or small insects.
For mild infestations, wiping leaves with a damp cloth or a gentle spray of insecticidal soap can be effective. Horticultural oils provide another option for suffocating pests. Severe cases may require repeated applications or the introduction of predatory mites for biological control.
Diseases
Root rot is a prevalent disease affecting Aralia Balfour Lemon Lime, typically caused by consistent overwatering and poorly draining soil. Symptoms include yellowing and drooping leaves. Ensuring proper drainage and allowing the soil to dry adequately between waterings can prevent this condition. Another condition, edema, presents as corky spots on leaves and arises when the plant absorbs water faster than it can transpire.
Environmental Stress
Environmental factors can significantly impact the plant’s health. Leaf drop can occur due to insufficient light, exposure to cold drafts, or overly dry air. Yellowing leaves may indicate overwatering or general water stress, while brown leaf tips often signal low humidity, over-fertilization, or issues with dissolved minerals in tap water. Leggy growth points to inadequate light exposure.
Propagating Aralia Balfour Lemon Lime
Propagating Aralia Balfour Lemon Lime is commonly achieved through stem cuttings. The optimal time for propagation is during the spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Select a healthy stem segment with at least two to three nodes.
After making a clean cut, remove any lower leaves that would be submerged in water or buried in soil. The cutting can then be placed in a glass of water or directly into a moist, well-draining potting mix. Applying a rooting hormone to the cut end can encourage root development. Maintaining warmth and consistent humidity around the cutting is beneficial.
Pruning and Shaping Aralia Balfour Lemon Lime
Pruning maintains the desired shape and size of the Aralia Balfour Lemon Lime, encouraging bushier, more compact growth. This involves removing leggy stems and eliminating any dead or yellowing leaves. Regular pruning directs the plant’s energy towards producing new, vibrant foliage.
When pruning, use clean, sharp shears to make precise cuts just above a leaf node or branching point. While pruning can be done as needed throughout the year, spring is a favored time as the plant enters its active growth phase. Avoid excessive pruning at once, as this can stress the plant.
Repotting Aralia Balfour Lemon Lime
Repotting the Aralia Balfour Lemon Lime is necessary every two to three years, or when the plant shows signs of being root-bound. Indicators include roots circling the inside of the pot, stunted growth, or roots emerging from drainage holes. The best time to repot is in the spring.
When repotting, select a new container only one size larger than the current pot. This prevents the plant from being overwhelmed by too much soil, which can retain excessive moisture. Use fresh, well-draining potting mix.