Polyscias (Aralia)

Polyscias houseplants

Polyscias, also known as Aralia, is native to Africa and Asia. Both names refer to the same plant. Fun fact: In Greek, "Polyscias" literally means "lots of shade," referring to its ability to grow into a large tree in nature that provides plenty of shade.

Different types of Polyscias plants

At Green Bubble, we offer a diverse selection of Polyscias plants, perfect for anyone looking to add a touch of tropical greenery to their interiors. These particular houseplants are known not only for their beautiful appearance, but also for their air-purifying properties. Whether you choose a compact specimen or a larger eye-catcher, each Polyscias brings atmosphere and a piece of rainforest to your living room.

Polyscias Fabian

The Polyscias Fabian is characterized by a sturdy stem with erratic branching, each growing in its own direction. This gives each plant a unique appearance. The leaves are thick and leathery, with a deep dark green color that sometimes shows a subtle purple glow. This combination of robust forms and unusual leaf colors makes the Polyscias Fabian a striking and attractive addition to any interior.

Polyscias Ming

The Polyscias Ming stands out because of its characteristic, finely incised leaves. This variety is extra full and has so many leaves that the stem(s) are often barely visible, making it a real green eye-catcher. With its dense, graceful foliage, the Polyscias Ming immediately brings a lively and natural atmosphere into the home.

How do I care for a Polyscias Aralia?

This tropical houseplant requires a little more attention than average. The Polyscias plants are generally a little more sensitive to pests, for example. But with the Polyscias you really bring a piece of rainforest to your living room. Besides its decorative appearance he also has a air-purifying effect by converting carbon dioxide into oxygen. In short, the Polyscias is not only beautiful, but also good for your environment.

Watering the Polyscias

The Polyscias requires careful watering to stay healthy. In summer, the soil should always remain slightly moist and not dry out between waterings. Prefer to water small amounts several times rather than a lot once, so the plant absorbs it better and you avoid root rot. In winter, the soil may dry out slightly before you water again, with about one watering per week as a guideline. Easily check with your fingers if water is needed: feel up to two knuckles deep in the soil. Is the soil dry after two days? Then give a little more water. Does the soil remain moist after five days? Then give less next time. If your plant is repotted, use a moisture meter.

Water requirements vary from plant to plant and depend on factors such as size, pot size, location and temperature. Therefore, always match the amount and frequency to the specific needs of your Polyscias.

Watering the Aralia

In addition to regular watering, it is important to water your Polyscias regularly. This houseplant likes high humidity, which contributes to its health. In a dry environment, the leaves can turn yellow and eventually fall out. Watering with a plant sprayer also has a preventive effect against aphids and spider mites, and helps remove dust from the leaves. Clean leaves receive more light, which improves color and stimulates growth. So ensure adequate humidity and proper care for a vital Polyscias!

Choosing the right pitch

The Polyscias thrives best on a sunny location, but is not at all sensitive to direct sunlight. This houseplant does not like changes in its environment; moving it may cause leaf loss due to "shock" in getting used to the new place. During the shorter winter days, it is crucial that the Polyscias receive adequate light. If you notice leaf loss in October, consider moving it carefully. This tropical plant is a true warm-blooded species, with a minimum temperature of 18 degrees during the day and 12 degrees at night. Make sure your Polyscias is in an appropriate environment for optimal growth.

Pruning the Polyscias

If your Polyscias gets too tall or you want more shoots, you can easily cut off the leaves and branches. This is best done in spring or summer. We recommend trimming the plant annually just before fall. This allows more light to reach the core during the winter months, leading to additional branching in the spring. This way, your Polyscias will maintain a full, lush appearance.

Cuttings of the Polyscias

You can propagate Polyscias by taking cuttings from the shoots on top of the plant. Cut a piece of about 10 centimeters and place it in water at a temperature of 23 degrees Celsius. To increase the humidity and temperature, you can put a plastic bag over the cutting. Make sure you are patient because it may take a while for the cutting to produce roots. Once it has roots, you can plant it in the ground. With some time and care, your new Polyscias will grow quickly!

Repotting the Aralia

You can repot the Aralia as soon as it begins to grow out of its current pot. Choose a new pot which is about 20% larger than the old one so that the roots have enough room to develop further. The more space you give the plant, the bigger and stronger it will grow. The ideal time to repot is in spring, when the Aralia recovers more quickly from any root damage. For best results, repot the plant every 2 years. This ensures that the roots have enough space and nutrients to maintain the beautiful, full shape of the Aralia.

Disease and pest control in Polyscias

The Polyscias is naturally susceptible to diseases and pests, mainly because it requires high humidity, which is often not present in the living room. This can make it a target for spider mites, aphids and scale insects. Spider mites can be easily removed by spraying the plant with a powerful jet of water, but be careful not to damage the leaves. To control aphids, you can use a biological or chemical pesticide use, which you can also apply preventively once a quarter. When infested, obvious symptoms are often visible, and you can also smell it; the plant produces a strong odor as a natural response to pests.

Order your Polyscias from Green Bubble

Looking for a beautiful Polyscias (Aralia) for your home? At Green Bubble, you've come to the right place! With our Personal Plantshopper receive personalized advice to find the ideal plant for your space. Via WhatsApp, you can easily choose your favorite Polyscias to get exactly what you're looking for. At Green Bubble you benefit from fast delivery, expert tips and a user-friendly online shop. We make sure your Polyscias are delivered to your home quickly and safely. In addition, we provide you with helpful care tips so you can enjoy a healthy and lush plant.

Visit our website and order your Polyscias at Green Bubble today. Complete your interior with this gorgeous houseplant!