Plant Passport
Balfour Aralia
Polyscias scutellaria
LightBright
Water7-10d
PetCheck
PP POLY SCIA SSCU
Issued 2026 · Valid while cared for
Balfour Aralia
Aralia
Polyscias scutellaria
Also known as Nothopanax scutellarius
“I am refined and narrow, but I sulk if warmth or watering swings wildly.”
bright indirectoffice plantsmall spacetropicalstatement plant
- Light
- Medium light
- Water
- Let dry between waterings
- Pet safety
- Mildly toxic
- This month
- Finish the strongest growth flush with one more light feed. Review support or pruning needs for the upright shape before tired leaves hide pests Cue: Slim woody stems with rounded leathery leaflets.
August care tip
Finish the strongest growth flush with one more light feed. Review support or pruning needs for the upright shape before tired leaves hide pests Cue: Slim woody stems with rounded leathery leaflets.
Quick Care Summary
- Light
- Medium light
- Water
- Let dry between waterings
- Placement
- Place in warm bright office or living room away from cold draughts; protect from sudden changes and harsh sun.
- Temperature
- 18–29°C
- Humidity
- moderate
Free printable Plant Passport card
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Plant Passport
Balfour Aralia
LightBright
Water7-10d
Botanical stake card
- Format
- 150 x 25mm
- Best for
- Slim plant stakes and gift pots
Use the card section above when you are ready to download or add a printed card.
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View holders →Detailed Care Guide
Watering Method
Water thoroughly, drain well and let the top half of the mix dry before watering again.
Soil Mix
Loose potting soil with perlite or bark; avoid dense waterlogged compost.
Repotting
Repot in spring every 2-3 years or when roots fill the pot.
Pruning
Prune lightly in spring to shape and remove dead or weak stems.
Pot Preference
Use a stable pot with drainage holes; heavy plants need a broad base.
Fertilizing
Feed lightly once a month from April to September; skip winter feeding.
Draft Sensitivity
Keep above 18 C and away from cold draughts.
Sources consulted
- powo.science.kew.org
- www.rhs.org.uk
- www.aspca.org
Room Placement
Window Direction
East or west window; south only filtered or set back.
Best Room
warm bright office or living room away from cold draughts
Monthly Care Calendar
Aug (now)
Finish the strongest growth flush with one more light feed. Review support or pruning needs for the upright shape before tired leaves hide pests Cue: Slim woody stems with rounded leathery leaflets.
Sep
Start reducing fertilizer and stretch watering as nights cool. Move Balfour Aralia closer to bright filtered light before autumn light drops Cue: Slim woody stems with rounded leathery leaflets.
Oct
Stop feeding and prepare for heating season. Keep temperature steady and avoid cold drafts Cue: Slim woody stems with rounded leathery leaflets.
Nov
Winter risk check: test soil before watering, inspect slim woody stems with rounded leathery leaflets, and keep the pot draining freely while growth slows Cue: Slim woody stems with rounded leathery leaflets.
Watering Schedule
- Summer
- Every 8 days
- Winter
- Every 16 days
Check below the surface and let the top half of the mix dry before watering again.
Common Problems
Propagation
stem cuttings in soilhardspring
Take warm-season cuttings only from healthy stems; woody species root slowly and need steady warmth.
Pests & Diseases
Scale insects
Early signs
Brown bumps on stems, sticky honeydew and dull leaves.
Treatment
Wipe with alcohol and repeat weekly until no new bumps appear.
Spider mites
Early signs
Fine webbing and speckled leaves in dry rooms.
Treatment
Rinse foliage and improve humidity while treating weekly.
Buying Tips
Choose Balfour Aralia with firm stems, no sticky residue and no sour pot smell.
Frequently Asked Questions
Fun Facts
Balfour Aralia is often sold for its tree-like shape, so stable placement matters as much as watering.
Origin & Natural Habitat
Warm forest or woodland habitat with filtered light and periods where the root zone can breathe.
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