How to Grow Polyscias Scutellaria

Polyscias Scutellaria is an attractive plant with glossy, compound leaves. Learn how to grow them and enjoy their benefits.

This is a species of flowering plant in the Araliaceae family. It is popular as an ornamental plant and is cultivated in many parts of the world. Here are some features and characteristics of Polyscias Scutellaria.

Polyscias Scutellaria Information

Polyscias Scutellaria has unique characteristics which make it an excellent choice for enhancing indoor spaces, whether it’s a home, office, or other interior environments. Balfour Aralia is renowned for its attractive feather-like leaves, which are glossy, deep green, and deeply divided. These leaves impart a delicate, lacy appearance to the plant, enhancing its ornamental value.

This evergreen shrub or small tree can grow up to 6-8 feet tall. It has a compact, bushy growth habit and a dense foliage arrangement. The stems are woody and often have a slightly twisted appearance.

Polyscias scutellaria is known for its air-purifying qualities. This makes it an excellent choice for indoor environments, where it can contribute to improving air quality.

Common Name: Balfour Aralia

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How to Grow Polyscias Scutellaria?

Growing Polyscias scutellaria from seeds can be a rewarding and exciting process. Here’s a step-by-step guide to help you get started:

If you can access a mature plant, you can collect seeds from it. Wait until the berries on the plant turn black and slightly soft. These berries contain the seeds. Gently remove the berries from the plant.
Extract the seeds from the berries by squeezing or gently crushing them. Separate the seeds from the pulp and wash them thoroughly to remove any remaining fruit residue. It’s essential to work carefully to avoid damaging the seeds.
Fill a seed tray or small pots with a well-draining potting mix. Moisten the mix, ensuring it is evenly damp but not soggy. Sow the seeds on the soil’s surface, gently pressing them into the mixture. It’s best to sow multiple seeds to increase the chances of successful germination.
Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil or vermiculite. Germination can take several weeks, so be patient. As the seedlings grow, you may need to thin them out by removing weaker or crowded ones to give the remaining seedlings more space to develop.
When the seedlings have grown a few sets of true leaves and are sturdy enough, they can be transplanted into individual pots.

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Requirements to Grow Polyscias Scutellaria

Sunlight

Polyscias scutellaria thrives in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate some shade, but insufficient light may result in leggy growth and reduced foliage density. Place it near a window with filtered or indirect light, or provide artificial grow lights if natural light is limited.

Soil

Use a well-draining potting mix for Polyscias scutellaria. A mixture of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite works well. The soil should retain enough moisture to keep the plant hydrated but not become waterlogged.

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Water

Water Polyscias scutellaria thoroughly when the top inch (2.5 cm) of soil feels dry to the touch. Watering frequency may vary depending on factors such as the size of the container, temperature, and humidity.

Temperature

Polyscias scutellaria prefers average room temperatures between 18-24°C. It can tolerate slightly cooler or warmer temperatures as long as no extreme fluctuations occur. Protect the plant from drafts and cold air, which can cause leaf damage.

Polyscias Scutellaria Care

Fertilizer

Feed Polyscias scutellaria with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season to promote healthy growth. Choose a houseplant fertilizer with a balanced NPK ratio and follow the manufacturer’s instructions for application rates.

Overfertilizing can cause salt buildup in the soil, leading to leaf burn.

Pruning

Pruning helps maintain the shape and size of Polyscias scutellaria and encourages bushier growth. You can prune the plant throughout the year as needed. Use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut just above a node or where the stem meets another branch.

Pests and Diseases

Pests affecting Polyscias scutellaria include spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. Inspect the plant regularly, particularly the undersides of leaves, for signs of pests such as webbing, small crawling insects, or sticky residue. If detected, treat the infestation by washing the plant with a gentle spray of water to dislodge the pests, or use insecticidal soap or neem oil according to the product instructions.

Polyscias scutellaria is generally resistant to diseases if provided with proper care. However, overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot or fungal issues. To prevent these problems, ensure the soil is well-draining and avoid excessive watering. In case of fungal infections, adjust the watering schedule, improve airflow, and consider applying a fungicide as directed by the product label.

How to Grow Polyscias Scutellaria | Balfour Aralia Care