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Polyscias (Aralia)
Name - Polyscias (pronounced polly-SEE-ass) balfouriana (commonly called
Balfour aralia) is the most grown but p. filcifolia, fruticosa, guilfoylei, and
paniculata can all be found. The name is from poly - Greek for much and scias
for shade.
Description - In the wild polycias are large trees and
shrubs, but with the roots confined in a pot, they produce excellent houseplants.
P balfouriana has kidney-shaped variegated leaves and is the most robust. Other
varieties have fern-like leaves and need warm, very humid conditions.
Origin
- Tropical Asia, Polynesia.
Family - Araliaceae
Care
Tips - Bright to semi-shade but not full sun. Temperature around 20°C
(68°F). Water moderately with soft water (filtered, boiled and cooled or rainwater)
in the spring and summer, but avoid soggy compost. Mist frequently and provide
extra humidity either in a kitchen or bathroom or providing a micro climate with
a saucer full of pebbles and water. Polyscias really hates dry atmosphere. Feed
every two weeks in the growing season.
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