Shield Aralia (Polyscias scutellaria) Care Indoors; Watering, Light, Soil, Propagation, Problems

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Polyscias scutellaria also called Shield Aralia or Plum Aralia is among favorite tree-like plants and bears attractive, round leaves which are alternately or spirally arranged on the stems and are usually clustered at the tips of the branches.

The leaves and roots have been used as an antiseptic and deodorant. The shredded plant has aromatic properties that can be mixed with meat or fish to conceal the odor.

Botanical name: Polyscias scutellaria
Family: Araliaceae
Common names: Shield Aralia, Plum Aralia

Origin

Polyscias scutellaria is native to the Southwest Pacific islands where it is found growing as an understory plant. It can grow to a height of about 6 metres.

Types of Polyscias

Types of Polyscias for growing indoors include;

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

2. Polyscias balfouriana commonly called Aralia balfouriana or Dinner Plate Aralia and bears an abundance of attractive, dark-green leaves.

Is Polyscias scutellaria poisonous?

Yes, Polyscias scutellaria 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. Shield Aralia is toxic to cats, dogs and other pets.

Shield Aralia benefits

• Low maintenance: Requires minimal care once established.


• Unique foliage: It bears attractive round leaves.


• Large size: Makes it perfect for a bold statement plant.


• Aromatic properties: Can be shredded and mixed with meat or fish to conceal the odor.


• Air purification: It gets rid of toxins like formaldehyde, benzene, xylene, and toluene.

How to Care Shield Aralia Plant Indoors

To care for Shield Aralia indoors, provide bright indirect light, warmth of 18-24⁰C, humidity of 50-60% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.

Polyscias scutellaria requires regular pruning to keep it neat, promote a bushy, compact growth and rejuvenate growth. Repotting is needed every 2 years when it has outgrown its pot as it grows best when pot-bound. Keep reading for more on these growing conditions and how to achieve them.

Watering

Water Shield Aralia Plant liberally in spring and summer until water drips through the drainage hole. Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry out between waterings to keep the soil moderately moist. Avoid overwatering as it can cause rotting, drooping, yellowing and leaf drop.

Lessen watering in fall and winter to maintain the soil slightly moist as growth is minimal at this time. Never allow the soil to dry out completely to prevent wilting, drooping, yellowing, leaf loss and brown leaf tips.

Use room temperature water to prevent cold shock which can result in stunted growth and leaf drop. Only use chlorine-free water to prevent browning of leaf edges.

Ensure that the pot has a drainage hole and the soil is free-draining to prevent waterlogging as it may lead to root-rot and plant death. Discard excess water from the saucer to prevent the plant from sitting on soggy soil.

Light Requirements

Shield Aralia grows best in bright indirect light (filtered light); place it infront of a large, well-lit, sunless window. Though it can adapt to a few hours of morning sunshine, keep it away from hot midday sun to avoid scorching; brown leaf marks and crispy leaf edges.

Polyscias scutellaria can adapt to light shade but will grow much slower. Too low light will result in leggy growth and sparse leaves. You may use a grow light if the natural light is not enough.

Monthly, give the pot a 90⁰ turn, to ensure the plant receives light on all sides for uniform growth to prevent unbalanced growth.

Temperature & Humidity

Shield Aralia Plant thrives in a warmth of 18-24⁰C. Keep it away from sources of drafts to prevent temperature flactuations which can lead to stunted growth, wilting, drooping, yellowing and leaf drop.

Plum Aralia needs a high humidity of 50-60% to thrive. Very dry air can cause leaf curling, browning and dropping. To up humidity, set the pot on a wet pebble tray, use a cool mist humidifier or group the plants together. Make sure there is good air flow to discourage fungal diseases.

Fertilizer

Feed Shield Aralia with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer monthly in spring and summer to promote growth. Avoid over-fertilizing; it can cause leaf burn. Stop feeding in fall and winter to avoid fertilizer burn as growth is less at this time.

Flush out accumulated salts arising from fertilizers every 2-3 months, by running a stream of water through the soil until it drips through the drainage hole. Let the stream of water run for a few minutes and repeat the process several times.

Potting Soil

Plum Aralia soil should be a well-draining, nutrient-rich mix that holds some moisture but does not get soggy. A mix made up of 2 parts potting soil (for nutrients), 1 part perlite or sand (for drainage) and 1 part peat moss or coconut coir (for moisture) is ideal for this plant.

Repotting

Repot Shield Aralia every 2 years, only when it has outgrown the current pot, as it grows best when root-bound. Use a pot size larger than the current one to avoid overpotting. Make sure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to root-rot. Check out these self watering pots on Amazon.

Pruning & Grooming

Pruning Plum Aralia involves:

• 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 minimize pests and diseases.


• Cutting back the overgrown plant to rejuvenate growth. Always use a clean, sharp pair of pruning scissors to prevent disease transmission.

Clean the leaves regularly by damp wiping with a soft cloth to get rid of dust and to discourage pests and diseases.

Polyscias scutellaria Propagation

Shield Aralia is best propagated from stem cuttings, in spring to early summer when in active growth for faster establishment.

Propagating Polyscias scutellaria from stem cuttings

Stem cuttings propagation is an easy and beginner-friendly method. Polyscias scutellaria stem cuttings can be rooted in water or in soil.

1. Polyscias scutellaria propagation from stem cuttings in water

1. Take 4-6 inches stem cuttings from a healthy plant. Make sure that each has at least two leaf nodes.


2. Remove most of the leaves from the bottom of the stem cutting. Retain at least 2-4 leaves at the top.


3. Dip the lower cut end of the cutting in a rooting hormone to encourage rooting.


4. Submerge 2-3 inches of the stem in a jar of plain water or in a propagation station.


5. Cover the set up with a plastic bag or a humidity dome to enhance rooting.


6. Position the set up in a brightly-lit spot away from direct sunlight.


7. Change the water every 5-7 days to prevent fungal growth.


8. When the roots are about 2-3 inches, transfer the cuttings into individual pots in moist, well-drained soil.


9. Keep the soil slightly moist until new plants are well established after which you can begin routine care.

2. Polyscias scutellaria propagation from stem cuttings in soil

1. Take 4-6 inches stem cuttings from a healthy plant. Ensure each has at least two leaf nodes.


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


3. Fill small pots (6-8 inches wide) with a sandy rooting soil and moisten it slightly.


4. Dip the lower cut end of the cutting in a rooting hormone to hasten rooting.


5. Carefully, insert 2-3 inches of the lower cut end of the cutting into the moist sandy soil.


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


7. Place the set up in a warm (21-27⁰C), well-lit spot away from direct sunlight to avoid cooking the cuttings.


8. Note: Plum Aralia 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.


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


10. Once rooting has taken place, gradually phase out the plastic bag covers.


11. Do not transplant the new plants as Polyscias scutellaria does not like to be disturbed. It is advisable to start the cuttings in pots with adequate room for the young plants.

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

Shield Aralia Problems & Solutions

Polyscias scutellaria problems are yellow leaves, dropping leaves, plant dying, pests among others. Keep reading for more on these problems and their remedies.

Yellow leaves

Some of the causes of yellow leaves on Polyscias scutellaria are too little light, inconsistent watering, soggy soil, overfertilizing, pests infestation, temperature stress among others.

How to fix it

Too little light: Place the plant in bright indirect light or use a grow light if you do not have enough light in your home.

Inconsistent watering: Water when the top 2-3 inches of soil dry out. Do not water on a schedule and do not allow the soil to dry out completely for too long.

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

Overfertilizing: Avoid overfeeding; fertilize every 4 weeks in spring and summer only.

Pests infestation: Regularly check underneath the leaves for pests and take timely control measures.

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

Dropping leaves

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

How to fix it

Low light: Position the plant in bright indirect light or use a grow light if you do not have adequate 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 with a drainage hole.

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

Sudden changes: Gradually acclimate the plant over a period of time before moving it to a new location.

Plant dying

Shield Aralia Plant is dying due to root-rot which is prevalent in soggy soil. The disease is characterized by rotting, yellowing, browning, leaf fall followed by plant collapse.

How do you revive an Aralia Plant?

1. Carefully, slip the plant out of its pot, clean off the soil from the roots and inspect the roots.


2. Cut away brown-black mushy roots and treat the healthy roots with a fungicidal solution as indicated by the maker.


3. Clean and disinfect the pot with the fungicidal solution and repot the plant in fresh soil.


4. Make sure the soil is well-draining and the pot has a drainage hole to avoid getting soggy soil.


5. Keep the soil dry for a few days before beginning the regular watering.


6. Always allow the soil to dry out slightly between waterings.

Pests

Pests of Shield Aralia are spider mites especially where air humidity is low or there is inadequate watering.

How to fix it

1. Isolate the infested plant and treat with an insecticidal soap or neem oil as per the directions on the label.


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 take timely control measures.


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


5. To raise the humidity, group the plants together, set the pot on a wet pebble tray or use a cool mist humidifier.

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