{"product_id":"polyscias-balfouriana-balfour-aralia","title":"Polyscias balfouriana – Balfour Aralia","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eThis gorgeous Aralia is perfect for anyone who loves the woodland aesthetic and wants to fill their home with tiny trees. Its round, bright green-and-white leaves sprout from a dense array of branches at the top of its trunks, and it adapts well to growing indoors. You may have to prune it to keep it compact for your indoor space, but it will thank you for your care by growing its leaves more densely and looking all the happier! Keep this plant in bright, indirect light and with above-average humidity and its foliage will keep you smiling all year round.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cem\u003ePolyscias balfouriana \u003c\/em\u003e(Many-shaded plant, Balfour's species)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eSynonyms: \u003cem\u003eAralia balfouriana, Panax balfourii\u003c\/em\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eOriginally identified as an Aralia, this plant has had the scientific name \u003cem\u003eP. balfouriana\u003c\/em\u003e since 1916.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name(s)\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eBalfour Aralia, Dinner Plate Aralia, Plate Aralia, Aralia Balfour\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThe native range of this aralia is from New Guinea to Queensland, Australia, where it grows in wet tropical areas.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eThis plant will benefit from getting a couple of hours of weaker morning or evening sun each day, with bright but indirect light the rest of the day; an east- or west-facing window is ideal for this. Strong direct sun can scorch or bleach the leaves, so even in the UK it won't do well in full sun.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eMake sure the top third of the soil has started to dry before you water; consistency is key with this plant. Use lukewarm water as cold water can shock the roots. Make sure excess water drains away and no roots are sat in a puddle.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eWill tolerate average household humidity but prefers slightly higher. If you notice the leaves curling and going brown and crispy, it may need higher humidity; use a pebble tray or humidifier to increase local humidity. Avoid operating radiators and draughts.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eUse a well-draining mix, with components like coir, bark and sand. One designed for ficus will work well. Repot every few years in spring as the plant grows; it is fine being pot bound for a while but once the roots start growing out of the bottom, it's time for more space.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eFeed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003ePrefers temperatures between 18-26°C. Protect from draughts and don't let temperatures drop below 16°C for long periods or overnight.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eNo, this plant is toxic if ingested. Keep out of reach of pets and children.\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/b\u003eIt is common to lose lower leaves as the plant grows; to keep it bushy and compact, prune or pinch out leggy growth regularly and rotate the plant to keep its growth regular.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"6cm","offer_id":57824361152893,"sku":"1770504421771","price":9.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false},{"title":"21cm","offer_id":55079620837757,"sku":"3037701826371","price":58.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":false}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/files\/polyscias-balfouriana-balfour-aralia-857017.jpg?v=1737425050","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.live\/products\/polyscias-balfouriana-balfour-aralia","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}