Polyscias spp.
aralias
Old World tropics: Asia, the Pacific, Madagascar, and Africa
Overview
Polyscias spp. is a genus of about 100 evergreen shrubs and small trees in the ginseng family, Araliaceae, native across the Old World tropics from tropical Asia and the Pacific islands to Madagascar and Africa. The foliage is pinnate to several times divided, with leaflets that may be lacy, fern-like, rounded, or edged and marbled in white and cream, carried on slender stems that lengthen into airy, upright plants. Several species, including Ming aralia P. fruticosa, Balfour aralia P. scutellaria, and P. guilfoylei, are grown as foliage houseplants and tropical hedges. In the tropics mature plants produce small greenish flowers in branched umbels, but they seldom reach flowering size in containers. The plants shed leaves when moved, chilled, or allowed to dry out, and they are frost tender, which are the main constraints.
Native Range
Native to the Old World tropics, from tropical and subtropical Asia through the Pacific islands to Madagascar and Africa. Plants grow in forest, forest margins, and coastal scrub, and many are long cultivated well beyond their wild range.Suggested Uses
Grown as a foliage houseplant, in conservatories, and as a clipped tropical hedge or screen in frost-free gardens. The lacy-leaved forms suit bonsai, container groups, and indoor screens.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 25'
Width/Spread2' - 10'
Bloom Information
In tropical conditions mature plants carry small greenish to yellow-green flowers in branched, flat-topped umbels, mostly in summer. Indoors and in containers the plants rarely reach flowering size, so growth stays vegetative.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
greenish-white to yellow-greenFoliage Description
green, often variegated white or creamGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 2-6 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Polyscias spp. grows in bright indirect light and warmth above 60°F (16°C), in evenly moist but well-drained soil. High humidity and shelter from cold drafts suit it, and sudden changes in light, temperature, or watering trigger leaf drop. Plants are frost tender, hardy only in USDA zones 10-11. Light feeding through the warm season supports growth. Allowing the surface of the mix to dry slightly between waterings limits root rot.Pruning
Tip pruning keeps plants bushy and within bounds, and cut stems resprout readily. Leggy plants are cut back hard in spring to force new shoots. Aromatic prunings root easily as cuttings.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 3 gallons