Polyscias balfouriana

Balfour aralia

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Taxonomy

Common Names

Balfour araliaDinner plate aralia

Context

nativeRegion

New Guinea and nearby Pacific islands.

usdaZones

10-12 (as an outdoor plant); commonly grown indoors elsewhere.

companionPlants

Ficus elastica, Schefflera arboricola, Dracaena fragrans

culturalUses

Grown primarily as an ornamental foliage houseplant; valued for its decorative, round leaves.

Care

LightBright, indirect light; can tolerate medium shade but growth slows.

WateringKeep soil consistently moist but not soggy. Allow the top inch to dry between waterings.

SoilWell-draining, rich, peat-based potting mix.

FertilizerFeed monthly during spring and summer with balanced, diluted liquid fertilizer.

HumidityPrefers high humidity; mist regularly or use a pebble tray.

TemperatureThrives in 18-27°C (64-80°F); avoid cold drafts and temperatures below 13°C (55°F).

HabitEvergreen shrub or small tree with thick, decorative foliage.

Mature SizeUp to 2.5–4 m (8–13 ft) tall in optimal conditions; smaller indoors.

Growth RateModerate growth rate.

BloomingRarely flowers indoors; small white to greenish umbels when present.

DormancyNo true dormancy, but growth slows in winter.

MethodsStem cuttings, Air layering

DifficultyModerate

Best SeasonSpring to early summer

PruningPrune to shape in spring; remove leggy growth to encourage bushiness.

RepottingRepot every 2-3 years or when rootbound.

Pests & DiseasesSusceptible to spider mites, scale, mealybugs; root rot if overwatered.

ToxicityMildly toxic if ingested; can cause stomach upset in pets and humans.

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