The Balfour Aralia (Polyscias scutellaria ‘Balfouriana’) is a popular houseplant, prized for its unique foliage. It brings tropical beauty to indoor settings, making it a favored choice. Its adaptability contributes to its widespread appeal.
Meet the Balfour Aralia
The Balfour Aralia (Polyscias scutellaria ‘Balfouriana’) is known as Lemon Lime Aralia or Dinner Plate Aralia. Its foliage features round, scalloped leaves resembling miniature dinner plates. These leaves typically display vibrant deep green with creamy white edges, though some varieties are entirely dark green. This plant grows upright, reaching 4 to 6 feet indoors. Originating from tropical regions, it thrives in warm, humid climates.
Balfour Aralia Care Essentials
Light Requirements
Balfour Aralia thrives in bright, indirect light. An east- or north-facing window is ideal, providing filtered sunlight without harsh direct exposure. Direct sun can scorch its leaves. Insufficient light results in leggy growth, where stems stretch for illumination. If natural light is limited, a supplemental grow light helps maintain healthy growth.
Watering Needs
Proper watering is crucial; Balfour Aralia prefers consistent moisture but is susceptible to overwatering. Allow the top 1 to 2 inches of soil to dry between waterings. Overwatering leads to root rot, indicated by yellowing leaves and leaf drop. Underwatering causes leaves to droop, dry out, and fall off. Ensure adequate drainage holes and never allow the plant to sit in standing water.
Soil Mix
An ideal potting mix provides excellent drainage and aeration. A high-quality, well-draining mix is recommended. Blend standard potting soil with amendments like perlite, coarse sand, or orchid bark. These additions enhance porosity, preventing waterlogging while retaining enough moisture.
Temperature and Humidity
This plant flourishes in warm temperatures, ideally 65-80°F (18-27°C). It is sensitive to cold; avoid temperatures below 60°F (15°C), sudden fluctuations, or cold drafts, which cause leaf drop. High humidity is beneficial, mirroring its native tropical environment. To increase humidity, consider misting, a pebble tray, or a room humidifier. Dry air may lead to brown leaf tips and edges.
Feeding Your Plant
During its active growing season (spring through summer), Balfour Aralia benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer, diluted to half strength, once a month. Some growers prefer a lower nitrogen formula due to the plant’s sensitivity to strong fertilizers. Reduce or cease fertilization during fall and winter when growth slows.
Pruning for Shape
Regular pruning maintains desired size and shape, encouraging a bushier, fuller appearance. This involves trimming branch tips to promote new growth and prevent legginess. Pruning also removes damaged or unhealthy stems, directing energy towards robust development. For a thicker base, older stems can be pruned closer to the soil line.
Propagating Balfour Aralia
Propagating Balfour Aralia uses stem cuttings. Select a healthy, non-flowering stem (4 to 6 inches long) with at least two to three leaf nodes. Remove lower leaves, leaving 2 to 3 inches of bare stem. Dipping the cut end into rooting hormone, while optional, improves success.
Cuttings root in water or a well-draining soil mix. For water propagation, place the cutting in a clean jar of fresh water, changing it every few days to prevent stagnation. If using soil, insert the cutting into a pot with potting soil, perlite, and compost, keeping the medium moist but not soggy. Place the potted cutting in a warm spot with bright, indirect light, covering it with a plastic bag or humidity dome to create a humid environment. Roots typically form within 4 to 6 weeks, signaled by new leaf growth.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Balfour Aralia can experience common issues, including pest infestations. Frequent pests include spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale. Regular inspection, especially of leaf undersides, helps early detection. If pests are found, treat with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil.
Care-related problems manifest as foliage changes. Leaf yellowing and drop link to overwatering; browning tips or edges indicate low humidity or dry air. Leggy growth suggests insufficient light.
Root rot, from overwatering and poor drainage, causes roots to decay. Address it by trimming affected roots, applying fungicide if needed, and repotting into fresh, well-draining soil. Adjusting watering frequency or increasing humidity is key to resolving these issues.
Balfour Aralia Toxicity
Balfour Aralia contains compounds toxic to pets and humans if ingested. These include saponins and other irritating agents. For pets, ingestion can lead to symptoms like a burning sensation in the mouth and throat, drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Skin contact with sap may cause redness, itching, or blistering. Keep Balfour Aralia plants out of reach of children and pets to prevent accidental ingestion or contact.