Balfour Aralia

If you’re looking for a striking and architectural plant to add to your indoor jungle, look no further. The balfour aralia is an elegant indoor foliage plant that makes a dramatic statement with its glossy, hand-shaped leaves.

It’s a favorite for its unique texture and relatively forgiving nature. This guide will give you all the tips you need to keep yours thriving for years to come.

Known botanically as Polyscias scutellaria ‘Balfourii’, this plant is prized for its distinctive look. Its leaves are a rich, glossy green, often with creamy white or light green edges, and they have a leathery, puckered texture.

The stems are thick and woody, giving it a miniature tree-like appearance. This makes it perfect for adding height and structure to a room.

Why Choose a Balfour Aralia?

Beyond its beauty, this plant has several practical benefits. It’s a fantastic air purifier, helping to clean the air in your home. Its upright growth habit means it doesn’t sprawl, saving valuable floor space.

With proper care, it can be a long-lived companion. Here’s a quick list of its best traits:

Architectural Form: Adds instant structure and a modern touch.
Air Purifying: Filters common household toxins from the air.
Adaptable: Tolerates a range of indoor conditions once acclimated.
Long-Lived: With good care, it can grow with you for many years.

Perfect Placement and Light Needs

Getting the light right is the most important step for a healthy Balfour Aralia. It prefers bright, indirect light. Think of a spot near an east or west-facing window where the sun’s rays never directly hit the leaves.

Direct afternoon sun can scorch and fade those beautiful leaves. On the other hand, too little light will cause it to become leggy, with sparse growth and smaller leaves.

If you only have lower light, consider supplementing with a grow light. A simple LED bulb placed a few feet above the plant for 6-8 hours a day can make a huge difference.

Signs of Light Stress

Leaves Turning Pale or Yellow: Often a sign of too much direct sun.
Leggy Growth: Long stems with few leaves means it’s reaching for more light.
Leaf Drop: Sudden leaf loss can sometimes be caused by a drastic change in light levels.

Watering Your Plant Correctly

Overwatering is the fastest way to harm your Balfour Aralia. It likes its soil to partially dry out between drinks. A good rule is to check the top inch or two of soil with your finger.

If it feels dry, it’s time to water. Water thoroughly until you see it run out the drainage holes, then empty the saucer underneath. Never let the plant sit in standing water, as this leads to root rot.

In the winter, when growth slows, you’ll need to water less frequently. The plant will tell you if it’s thirsty—the leaves may start to droop slightly.

Step-by-Step Watering Guide

Check soil moisture by inserting your finger 1-2 inches deep.
If dry, bring the plant to the sink or use a watering can with a long spout.
Water slowly and evenly around the soil surface until water flows freely from the bottom.
Let the pot drain completely before returning it to its decorative cover or saucer.

Soil, Potting, and Fertilizing

A well-draining potting mix is non-negotiable. A standard indoor plant mix amended with some perlite or orchid bark works perfectly. This ensures water flows through quickly and air reaches the roots.

Repot your Balfour Aralia every 2-3 years in spring, or when you see roots circling the bottom of the pot. Only go up one pot size (about 2 inches wider in diameter) at a time.

Feed your plant during its active growing season (spring and summer). Use a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer diluted to half strength, once a month. There’s no need to fertilize in the fall and winter.

Managing Temperature and Humidity

This plant enjoys average room temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). It’s crucial to keep it away from cold drafts, like those from air conditioning vents in summer or leaky windows in winter.

Sudden temperature drops can cause leaf drop. While it tolerates average home humidity, it truly thrives with a bit more moisture in the air.

If your home is very dry, especially in winter, try these simple tricks:

Place the pot on a tray filled with pebbles and water (keep the pot above the water line).
Group it together with other humidity-loving plants.
Use a room humidifier nearby—this is the most effective method.

Pruning and Shaping Your Plant

Pruning helps maintain a bushy, attractive shape. Without it, your Balfour Aralia might become a bit tall and sparse. The best time to prune is in early spring, just before the growth season kicks in.

Use clean, sharp scissors or pruners. You can simply snip off the top of a stem to encourage branching lower down. Don’t be afraid to remove any thin, weak, or dead growth to direct energy to healthier parts of the plant.

Common Problems and Easy Solutions

Even the best plant parents encounter issues. Here’s how to troubleshoot common problems with your Balfour Aralia.

Yellowing Leaves

This is often a sign of overwatering. Check the soil moisture and adjust your schedule. Ensure the pot has proper drainage holes.

Brown Leaf Tips or Edges

Usually caused by low humidity or inconsistent watering. Increase humidity around the plant and try to water more regularly, allowing the soil to dry just slightly between waterings.

Sudden Leaf Drop

This is typically the plant’s reaction to stress. Common causes include a sudden move to a new location, a draft, or a significant change in temperature or light. Review its recent environment and try to stabilize its conditions.

Pests

Keep an eye out for spider mites, mealybugs, and scale. These pests can sometimes appear, especially if the air is dry. Wipe leaves regularly with a damp cloth to deter them. For infestations, treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Propagating Your Balfour Aralia

Want to make more plants? Propagation is best done through stem cuttings in spring or early summer. It’s a rewarding process, though it requires a bit of patience.

Using clean shears, cut a 4-6 inch stem tip just below a leaf node.
Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting.
Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder (this helps but isn’t always required).
Plant the cutting in a small pot with moist, well-draining potting mix.
Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to create a humid environment, but air it out every few days.
Place in warm, bright, indirect light and keep the soil lightly moist. Roots should develop in a few weeks to a couple months.

FAQ About the Balfour Aralia

Is the Balfour Aralia plant pet-friendly?
No. The Balfour Aralia is considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. It’s best to keep it out of reach of curious pets.

How fast does a Balfour Aralia grow?
It has a moderate growth rate. With ideal conditions, you might see several inches of new growth each season. Growth will be slower in lower light.

Why are the leaves on my aralia falling off?
Leaf drop is usually a stress response. Check for drafts, sudden temperature changes, or if the soil has been too wet or too dry for too long. Try to keep its environment consistent.

Can I put my Balfour Aralia outside for the summer?
Yes, but with caution. Acclimate it slowly to a shaded or dappled light patio spot. Never place it in direct sun, and remember to bring it back inside well before nighttime temperatures drop in the fall.

How big can an indoor Balfour Aralia get?
With time and in a large enough pot, it can reach 6 feet tall or even more indoors. Regular pruning will help you control its height and shape.

With its sculptural form and elegant leaves, the Balfour Aralia is a standout choice for any plant enthusiast. By providing the right balance of light, careful watering, and a stable environment, you’ll be rewarded with a robust and beautiful plant that adds a touch of sophistication to your home for many years. Remember, consistency is key—once you find a spot it loves, try not to move it around too much.