The Dinner Plate Aralia, Polyscias scutellaria, is a houseplant known for its distinctive large, rounded leaves that resemble dinner plates. This striking foliage brings a tropical elegance to any indoor space.
Discovering Dinner Plate Aralia
The Dinner Plate Aralia, a tropical shrub, originates from Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands, including New Guinea and New Caledonia. Indoors, it typically grows as an upright, branching shrub, though it can reach 2 to 6 meters in its native habitat. Its notable feature is its large, often scalloped, glossy green leaves, which may be tinged with dark red or have variegated patterns. This plant’s preference for stable environments makes it well-suited for indoor cultivation.
Essential Care for Your Dinner Plate Aralia
Light
The Dinner Plate Aralia thrives in bright, indirect light. An east or north-facing window is ideal, as direct sunlight can scorch its leaves. While it tolerates some shade, insufficient light may slow growth or reduce leaf color vibrancy. Too much direct sun can cause leaves to brown and curl.
Watering
This plant prefers consistently moist soil but is sensitive to overwatering, which can lead to root rot. Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry, ensuring excess water drains from the pot. Under-watering can cause leaves to curl, yellow, or result in sudden lower leaf loss.
Soil Requirements
A well-draining potting mix is suitable for the Dinner Plate Aralia. A blend of regular houseplant potting soil with added perlite or peat moss provides necessary aeration and drainage. This mix helps prevent waterlogging, which is important for the plant’s root system.
Temperature and Humidity
The Dinner Plate Aralia prefers warm, humid environments, with temperatures ranging from 18°C to 27°C (65°F to 80°F). It does not tolerate cold drafts or temperatures below 15°C (60°F), which can cause leaf drop. To maintain humidity, especially indoors, misting the leaves, using a pebble tray, or placing a humidifier nearby is beneficial.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring and summer), the Dinner Plate Aralia benefits from regular fertilization. Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer, diluted to half-strength, every 4 to 6 weeks. Reduce or stop fertilizing in fall and winter when growth slows. Avoid over-fertilization, as it can lead to salt buildup and harm the roots.
Troubleshooting and Maintaining Your Plant
Pruning for Shape and Health
Pruning helps maintain the Dinner Plate Aralia’s shape and encourages bushier growth. It also allows for the removal of dead, damaged, or yellowing leaves to promote plant health. Pruning can be done in spring or early summer; removing the top or stem ends encourages new branching.
Common Pests and Problems
Dinner Plate Aralias are susceptible to common houseplant pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Regularly inspecting the leaves, particularly the undersides, helps in early detection. If an infestation is found, treating with insecticidal soap or neem oil is effective. Leaf drop can occur due to sudden environmental changes, such as light or temperature fluctuations, or improper watering. Yellowing leaves often signal overwatering or nutrient deficiencies.
Propagating Dinner Plate Aralia
Propagating Dinner Plate Aralia is done using stem cuttings. Select a healthy, non-flowering stem 4 to 6 inches long, cutting just below a leaf node. Remove lower leaves, leaving a few at the top, and dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development. Plant the cutting in a moist, well-draining potting mix, ensuring the node is buried. Covering the pot with a clear plastic bag or using a humidity dome creates a humid environment conducive to rooting, which takes several weeks.
Is Dinner Plate Aralia Toxic?
The Dinner Plate Aralia (Polyscias scutellaria) has low to moderate toxicity. It contains saponins, which can cause gastrointestinal irritation, leading to symptoms like nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea if ingested. Skin irritation may also occur from contact. Keep this plant out of reach of pets and small children to prevent accidental ingestion.