An aralia is an evergreen plant native to Africa, Asia, Australia, parts of North and Central America, and South America. The distinct leaves of a Balfour Aaalia resemble leathery, round, dinner plates about 1″- 2″ in diameter, which is how the plant got its nickname, the Dinner Plate Aralia. The leaves can range in color from light green to dark green and some varieties have green and cream colored variegated leaves. Aralias are not good houseplants for beginners since they are easy to over- water which results in root rot and leaves falling off. These plants are considered poisonous and should be kept away from pets and children.
Care
LIGHT
Balfour Aralia plants do best in bright indirect light; but will survive in low light if you are careful not to over-water.
WATER
Aralias have very fine roots and are easily over-watered. Always allow the top 1/2 of the soil in the pot to dry out before watering. During the winter when plants are resting, they need even less water. In low light situations, Aralias may need water only once a month.
FERTILIZER
Feed an Aralia plant every other month with a plant food high in nitrogen. Always dilute the fertilizerto 1/2 the recommended strength.
TEMPERATURE
Balfour Aralias like basic household temperatures between 65-80 degrees.
HUMIDITY
High humidity helps Aralia plants grow better. Dry air, due to low humidity, is one of the reasons Aralias drop leaves.
FLOWERING
Although Aralia plants don't produce flowers indoors, they can be trained to be a lovely bonsaiplant.
PESTS
Aralia plants attract numerous houseplant pests such as mealybugs, scale, spider mites, andAphids. Spraying the plant with a biodegradable soap and water mixture on a regular basis helps prevent plant pest infestations.
DISEASES
Root-rot, caused by over-watering, is the main plant disease affecting Aralia plants.
SOIL
Aralias need a peat-based, well-aerated, light soil. This type of quick draining potting medium prevents water from accumulating in the soil and causing the roots to disintegrate.
POT SIZE
Keep Aralia plants in small pots so the soil dries out quickly.
PRUNING
Prune the tips of an Aralia to keep the plant full.
PROPAGATION
Aralia Plants are propagated by stem cuttings or, if the stems are thick enough, air layering. Propagating Aralias is more successful when temperatures are above 70°.