Aralia balfouriana (Polyscias balfouriana) Care Indoors; Watering, Light, Propagation, Problems

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Polyscias balfouriana also called Aralia balfouriana, Dinnerplate Aralia, Balfouriana Aralia or Balfour Aralia Plant is among popular tree-like plants and bears an abundance of attractive, dark-green leaves and easily adapts to a wide range of growing conditions.

Dinnerplate Aralia needs good light, even moisture at the roots and high humidity especially where the temperatures are high. It will readily drop leaves if the growing conditions are not right.

Botanical name: Polyscias balfouriana
Family: Araliaceae
Common names: Aralia balfouriana, Dinnerplate Aralia, Balfouriana Aralia, Balfour Aralia Plant, Balfour Aralia

Origin

Polyscias balfouriana has its origins in the regions of New Guinea to Queensland, Australia.

Size

Balfouriana Aralia can grow to a height of 8-12 feet and 2-3 feet wide in the tropical outdoors but for the container grown plant, height is controlled through regular pruning of the branch tips which also encourages bushyness.

Flower

In the tropical wild, Polyscias will produce a 6 inch long inflorescences but when grown indoors, flowering is unlikely.

Polyscias Varieties

Types of Polyscias for indoor growing include;

1. Polyscias scutellaria (Shield Aralia) which bears attractive round leaves, alternately or spirally arranged on the stems, and are usually clustered at the tips of the branches.

2. Polyscias fruticosa (Ming Aralia) which bears dark-green, glossy leaves and appear divided, droop gracefully from narrow branches that grow straight up, forming a multi-layered beautiful plant.

Is Aralia balfouriana toxic?

Yes, Aralia balfouriana is toxic to pets as outlined by ASPCA. It contains saponins which if ingested will cause swelling and burning in the mouth and throat, vomiting, diarrhea and abdominal pains.

Where to Buy

Dinnerplate Aralia are pleasant plants to add to your collection. You may acquire these plants online from Amazon (Link to Amazon) or from Etsy (Link to Etsy).

How to Care for Polyscias balfouriana Indoors

To care for Balfouriana Aralia indoors, provide bright indirect light, warmth of 15-27⁰C, humidity of 60-70% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season.

Polyscias balfouriana requires regular pruning to keep it neat, promote a bushy growth and rejuvenate growth. Repotting is needed every two years when it has outgrown its pot as it grows best when pot-bound. Let’s break down everything you need to know to keep your plant healthy and vibrant.

Watering

Water Polyscias balfouriana liberally in spring and summer until the water drips through the drainage hole. Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out slightly between waterings to keep the soil moderately moist. Avoid overwatering to prevent rotting, drooping, yellowing and leaf drop

Decrease watering in fall and winter to maintain the soil slightly moist since growth is minimal at this time. Never allow the soil to dry out completely for too long as it may result in slow growth, wilting, drooping, leaf drop and dry crispy leaf edges.

Use tepid (room temperature) water to prevent cold shock which can cause stunted growth and leaf loss. Use only chlorine-free water like rain water to prevent browning of leaf tips and edges.

Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is well-draining to prevent sogginess as it can lead to root-rot; characterized by yellowing leaves, mushy stems, black roots and foul-smelling soil.

Light Requirements

Balfour Aralia grows best in bright indirect light (filtered light); place it next to a bright, sunless window. Keep it away from direct sunlight to avoid scorching the leaves.

Polyscias balfouriana will adapt to light shade but will not grow in deep shade and may even die. Leaf drop is a sign of too little light. If the natural light is inadequate, use full spectrum grow lights to increase it.

Regularly turn the pot to ensure that the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth to prevent lopsided growth.

Temperature & Humidity

Aralia balfouriana prospers in a warmth of 15-27⁰C with a minimum of 10⁰C. Keep it away from drafts to prevent sudden temperature changes which may result in reduced growth, wilting, drooping, yellowing, leaf drop and eventual plant death.

To keep Dinnerplate Aralia thriving, give it a humidity of 60-70%. Low humidity will result in brown leaf tips and edges. To increase humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray, group the plants together or use a cool mist humidifier. Maintain good air circulation to minimize fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

Feed Balfour Aralia Plant with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 weeks in spring and summer but do not feed in fall and winter as growth is minimal at this time.

Flush out excess salts arising from fertilizers every 2-3 months; run a stream of water through the soil until the water comes out through the drainage holes. Let it run for 5-10 minutes to get rid of most of the salts.

Potting Soil

The best potting soil for Aralia balfouriana should be light, well-draining to prevent waterlogging. It should also be rich in organic matter to provide the nutrients required for a lush growth. A blend of 50% potting soil, 30% peat moss or coconut coir, and 20% perlite is ideal for this plant.

Repotting

Repot Balfouriana Aralia every two years, only when they have outgrown the current pot; it grows best when root-bound. Use a pot one size larger that has a drainage hole to avoid getting soggy soil which can lead to root-rot. Check out these self-watering pots on Amazon.

Pruning & Grooming

Pruning Aralia balfouriana entails;

• Pinching-back of the growing tips to encourage a bushy and compact growth.


• Removal of yellow and dead leaves to keep the plant neat and also reduce pest and disease infestations.


• Cutting back the overgrown plant with a clean pair of pruning scissors to rejuvenate growth.

Regularly clean the leaves by damp wiping them with a soft cloth to get rid of dust to expose maximum surface area for light absorption. It also reduces pests and diseases infestation.

Polyscias balfouriana Propagation

Aralia balfouriana propagation is best done at the beginning of the growing season from stem-tip cuttings or from hard-wood stem cuttings.

Aralia balfouriana propagation from stem cuttings

1. Take top 4-6 inches of the stem-tip cutting from a healthy plant. You can also take about 6 inches hard-wood stem cutting.


2. Strip off most of the leaves from the bottom of the stem cutting. Retain at least 2-4 leaves on the cutting.


3. Dip the cut end in a rooting hormone to hasten rooting.


4. Insert 2-3 inches of cutting into a pot of moist sandy soil. Polyscias balfouriana does not like to be disturbed. It is advisable to start the cuttings in pots with adequate room for the young plants.


5. Cover the pots with clear plastic bag to create a humid atmosphere which enhances root development.


6. Place the set up in a warm, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching.


7. Note that the stem cuttings and newly propagated plants rot easily at the base and in the roots, therefore, do not mist the leaves and maintain the soil moist but not wet.


8. The cuttings will begin to root after a 4-6 weeks. You will know the cutting has rooted when you see new growth emerge.


9. Once rooting has taken place, gradually phase out the plastic bag covers after which you can begin routine care.

Related content: How to propagate Polyscias fruticosa (Ming Aralia).

Polyscias balfouriana Problems with Fixes

Aralia balfouriana problems are yellowing leaves, dropping leaves, plant dying, pests and diseases among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and how to solve them.

Yellowing leaves

Some of the causes of yellow leaves on Balfouriana Aralia are too little light, inconsistent watering, soggy soil, nutrient deficiency, aging among others

How to fix it

Too little light: Position the plant in a brighter spot where it will receive bright indirect light or use a grow light if you do not have sufficient light in your home.

Inconsistent watering: Do not water on a schedule; water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Soggy soil: Use a well-draining soil and a pot that has a drainage hole.

Nutrient deficiency: Apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every 4 weeks in spring and summer.

Aging: As the plant matures, the old leaves turn yellow and drop.

Dropping leaves

Dropping leaves off Aralia balfouriana is caused by low light, inconsistent watering, soggy soil, temperature stress or sudden changes.

How to fix it

Low light: Position the plant in a brighter spot where it will receive bright indirect light or use a grow light if you do not have enough light in your home.

Inconsistent watering: Do not water on a schedule; water when the top 2-3 inches of soil feel dry but do not allow the soil to dry out completely.

Soggy soil: Use a well-draining soil and a pot that has a drainage hole.

Temperature stress: Keep the plant away from sources of drafts like hot air vents, AC units, windy doors, stoves and others.

Sudden changes: Acclimate the plant gradually over a period of time before changing its position.

Plant dying

Polyscias balfouriana is dying due to root-rot which is promoted by soggy soil. The disease is characterized by yellowing and wilting of the leaves which is rapidly followed by browning and plant collapse.

How to fix it

1. Carefully slip the plant out of its pot and inspect the roots.


2. Trim brown-black mushy roots and treat the healthy roots with a copper-based fungicidal solution as recommended by the manufacturer.


3. Disinfect the pot with the fungicidal solution or use a fresh pot to repot the plant.


4. Use a pot with a drainage hole and well-draining soil to prevent sogginess.


5. Do not water the plant immediately; keep it dry for 5-7 days before you resume watering.


6. Reduce watering in fall and winter as growth is reduced at this time; keep the soil slightly moist.

Pests

Common pests of Dinnerplate Aralia are spider mites and scale insects especially in dry conditions.

How to fix it

1. Seperate the infested plant to prevent spread to the rest of the plants and treat it with neem oil or insecticidal soap as indicated by the manufacturers'.


2. Clean the leaves regularly by damp-wiping with a soft cloth to keep the pests away.


3. Regularly inspect the plant for these pests and carry out timely control measures.


4. Maintain the plant well pruned to reduce the hiding and breeding places for these pests.


5. To increase humidity, group the plants together or set the pot on a wet pebble tray.

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