Polyscias, aka aralia, for a minimalist interior

Polyscias is a genus of evergreen plants in the Araliaceae (aralia) family. These plants originally come from tropical regions of Asia and Australia, but today they are grown all over the world as ornamental plants. In this article, we take a closer look at the characteristics of this plant, how to grow it and what it is used for.

Polyscias is a very decorative plant that can reach a height of up to 2 to 3 meters. Its leaves are large, usually dark green, and have a distinctive shape with sharply pointed tips. The flowers are inconspicuous and form round inflorescences. These plants can come in various shapes and sizes, depending on the species and cultivar. The genus Polyscias includes dozens of plant species, but the best-known ones, which you will see most often in stores, include Polyscias fruticosa, also known as Polyscias Hawaiiana Ming, and Polyscias Fabian.

Polyscias has also earned the name "geranium tree," mainly because its leaves smell like geraniums, especially when they are wet.

 

Polyscias is a great choice for lovers of minimalism

Polyscias plants are popular in gardens and interiors for their exotic, decorative look. Thanks to their shape and size, they are ideal for creating green walls and hedges, but only in climates where it is always warm. In our climate, they are used as ornamental plants in homes and offices, where they give spaces a pleasant atmosphere and a tropical touch of Asia, where they are most often found. With their robust look and small leaves, they form a living design element that fits perfectly into designer spaces, especially in a nice planter.

 

How to care for Polyscias

Polyscias is not one of those plants that need a lot of care, but there are still a few things to watch out for.

 

Light conditions

Polyscias grows best in partial shade. Although its Czech name, "stínovka", comes from the word for shade and may give you the impression that it will grow in the shadiest corner of your home, unfortunately that is not the case. It can be placed near a south- or east-facing window, but avoid direct sunlight, which could burn the leaves. On the other hand, a lack of light can make the crown thin out, because Polyscias prefers a bright environment. 

 

Watering

Polyscias needs regular watering. The soil should not be too dry, but not too wet either. In the summer months, watering once a week is recommended, and in winter, once every two weeks is enough. It is important to water consistently so that the soil does not get waterlogged, which could cause root rot. After the plant has acclimatized, it is usually a good idea to replace the potting mix it came in with a better-quality one that will not dry out as quickly but will not get waterlogged if you overwater either. It pays to put a deep enough layer of drainage under the plant, for example expanded clay, which you can leave fully in water so that the water cannot soak into the soil, while the moisture evaporating from it keeps the potting mix moist.

 

Potting mix and soil requirements

Polyscias prefers slightly acidic, well-draining soil. Ideally, use a potting mix for foliage plants or palms with a high humus content. Don’t forget to replace the soil from time to time; for large plants, we recommend doing so about once every 2 years, or replacing the top layer of soil.

 

Temperature, humidity and placement

Polyscias prefers temperatures between 18 and 24°C, with a minimum of 16°C. It does not tolerate sudden changes in temperature. Humidity should be medium, but in a dry environment, mites may appear. To increase the humidity, you can place a bowl of water or a humidifier near the plant. The plant will love you for regular misting, ideally every week.

Polyscias plants can be placed indoors with good air circulation (ventilation and air conditioning), but not close to drafts and cold air, which can damage the leaves. Polyscias generally does not like cold drafts, so fall and spring, when the days are cold and the plant sits near a window, are especially critical.

 

Propagation

Polyscias is easy to propagate from cuttings or seeds. The best time to take cuttings is in spring or late summer. Cuttings are taken from the lower part of the plant: cut stems 8 to 10 cm long and let them root in water. Stems that are too thin may rot, so choose sturdier twigs.

Polyscias is very difficult to propagate from seed, because it usually does not flower in our climate.

 

Photo: Polyscias Hawaiiana Ming

 

The most popular: Polyscias fruticosa

Polyscias fruticosa Hawaiiana Ming has a typical look made up of small, compact, bushy branches that can grow up to 1.5 meters tall. The leaves of this plant are compound, with several leaflets branching off the stem. They are an attractive dark green with slightly wavy edges.

The plant is also known for the benefits it brings to the indoor climate. This species can clean the air of impurities and toxic substances, which helps improve air quality in enclosed spaces, and it has a light geranium scent.

Plant it in well-draining soil. It prefers a slightly acidic environment. It needs plenty of light, but direct sunlight can burn the leaves, so it is best placed in partial shade. Watering should be regular, but a lack of water or waterlogged soil can damage the plant’s roots.

The most common problem with this plant is yellowing and rotting leaves, which then fall off, and the plant eventually turns pale and dies. This happens when it is watered incorrectly or stands in a draft. Don’t forget to give the plant good-quality fertilizer, ideally every 14 days during the growing season; in the winter months, you can replace the fertilizer with lignohumate.

 

Photo: Polyscias scutellaria Fabian

 

The dark Polyscias Fabian

Polyscias scutellaria Fabian is an evergreen plant with beautiful dark green leaves that gradually darken to a deep green, almost wine-red color. Its round leaves are finely wavy at the edges and have a slightly glossy surface, which gives the plant a special character. Because the plant is so dark, unlike other species it does not need as much light, so you can place it farther from windows, but keep in mind that no plant will grow in the dark.

Polyscias Fabian also needs regular watering, but it should not be overwatered. The plant also likes a slightly acidic soil pH, so it can be a good idea to grow it in a potting mix designed for acid-loving plants.

 

Photo: Leaf detail of a small Polyscias Fabian

 

Author: Martin Seidl