Aralia is a striking plant, immensely valued for its aesthetic appeal. And it’s been a favourite among gardeners ever since indoor gardening became a thing. Their beautiful narrow and long, serrated leaves make them an absolute delight in any indoor or outdoor space.

Aralia plants are used for landscaping in tropical regions of the globe. Varieties such as Polyscias Scutellaria grow in colder climates, and you can use them in offices and as houseplants.

The best thing about these plants is that they are easy to care for. So, if you are a time-pressed plant lover, then Aralias are a must-have in your garden.

Here are some of the most important tips on caring for Aralia plants—

• Soil: Tropical Aralia plants grow best in well-drained, loamy, and richly acidic soil. For container-grown plants, a standard potting mixture with some extra perlite works well.

Aralia likes bright, indirect lighting. When choosing an indoor location for it, you can place it near a north window.

Also, Aralia plants like morning sun. Avoid putting them in full sun. Also, Polyscias are best kept indoors during the warm months. Even if you want to put your plant in the sun, make sure you choose a place where your plant receives partial sunlight.

• Water:

Water Aralia plants regularly. Keep an eye on the soil. Give it deep, consistent watering when the soil is dry. Avoid letting the plant stand in water. Also, don’t let the soil dry out completely.

• Temperature and humidity: Tropical Aralia plants love high humidity, so it’s a smart idea to place your planter on a tray of pebbles to maintain high levels of ambient moisture.

Although some people recommend daily misting, it may not be necessary. Keep the room temperature at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit.

• Pruning & grooming:

The plant grows to a maximum height of eight feet and spreads to 2-3 feet. It is important to control the size of indoor plants if you don’t have enough space. Regular pruning of branch tips will help keep them in check.

This will also encourage the Aralia plant’s growth to be bushier and denser. To propagate more plants, you can use cuttings.

• Flowers: Inflorescences that measure approximately six inches in length are produced by the plants. Flowers can be in the form of drupes when they grow wild in the tropics. However, it is extremely unlikely that the plant will flower if it is being used as a houseplant and not kept in a favourable outdoor climate.
• Acclimating Aralias: After they become accustomed to their surroundings, Aralias become great indoor plants. However, your polyscias will drop large quantities of leaves indoors when you move them around, much like the Ficus Benjamina.

Do not fertilize and water excessively. Give your plant plenty of time to adapt to its new conditions, lighting, and humidity levels.

How do you propagate Aralias?

Although you can create cuttings of your plant at any time, it is best to start this in spring.

You can save a few stems – whether they are softwood or hardwood – for cuttings.

You should have two to four leaves for softwood cuttings. Remove all leaves from a hardwood cutting.

Aralia plants are notoriously slow to root if you don’t use a good hormonal rooting powder. So, consider using one.

Place each cut in a small pot with a well-draining, loamy, rich potting mixture.

As the plant grows, it will need a larger pot. So, it’s better to choose a big pot at the outset itself. Keep plants in one place until they root and become established.

Place the pots in a humid, warm area that receives indirect sunlight.

A little bit of ambient humidity is a good idea, but do not mist the cuttings. This can cause rot.

To keep humidity intact and prevent draft damage, cover them with plastic.

Final Word

Although Aralias are slow to start, they pick up speed after their first year and grow enthusiastically. Aralias make excellent indoor plants if there is plenty of space for them and indirect, bright light.

While the large varieties are great for office and home, the smaller versions are particularly well-suited for bonsai treatment.

If you love Aralia plants and want yours to grow and stay healthy, then make sure to take care of them. It’s only with proper care that you can make your Aralia a subject of envy for your neighbours.