The Balfour aralia is an elegant houseplant known for its lush, tropical foliage. With its glossy leaves sprouting from woody stems, this plant can lend a sense of the exotic to any indoor space. But just how tall can your Balfour aralia grow when cultivated indoors?
While these plants have the potential to reach up to 6 feet in height at maturity, their indoor size depends on several key factors. By optimizing these growth conditions, you can help your Balfour aralia thrive and achieve its maximum stature
Genetics Determines the Plant’s Natural Height
The most important factor influencing a Balfour aralia’s eventual height is its genetic makeup. Balfour aralias display a wide natural variation in size. Some plants are genetically predisposed to remain short while others have the capacity to grow quite tall.
When purchasing a young Balfour aralia plant do some research into its expected mature height. Many nurseries and online stores provide this estimate to help you choose a plant appropriate for your space. Dwarf cultivars may reach just 2-3 feet tall while larger varieties can hit 6 feet at maturity.
Bright Light is Essential
Balfour aralias are native to the shady understory of tropical forests. Although they don’t need direct sun, they do require bright, filtered light to grow well. A Balfour aralia needs at least 4-6 hours of indirect sunlight per day.
Insufficient light is the number one reason why indoor Balfour aralias fail to reach their potential height. Low light leads to sparse stunted growth as the plant stretches toward any available light source. Place your Balfour aralia near an east or west facing window where it will get plenty of indirect sunlight. Rotate the plant periodically so all sides receive equal light exposure.
High Humidity Boosts Growth
Humidity is another essential factor for healthy growth. Balfour aralias prefer a minimum humidity level of 50-60%. In dry indoor air, the plant’s growth will slow and its leaves may brown along the edges.
Use a humidifier to raise humidity around your Balfour aralia. Group plants together to boost local humidity levels. You can also set the pot on a pebble tray filled with water to increase environmental moisture. Frequent misting is another easy way to provide a humidity boost.
Moderate Temperatures Are Best
The ideal temperature range for Balfour aralia growth is between 65-80°F. Temperatures lower than 60°F or higher than 85°F can inhibit the plant’s development. Cold drafts and hot heating vents should be avoided.
Monitor temperatures around your Balfour aralia and make adjustments as needed. Move plants away from drafty windows in winter and provide shade if summer sun heats rooms excessively. Maintaining an appropriate temperature range prevents stress and keeps growth steady.
Water Thoroughly When Soil is Dry
Proper watering is vital for Balfour aralias to achieve their full indoor height potential. These plants need moist, but not saturated soil. Water thoroughly whenever the top 1-2 inches of soil become dry. Take care not to overwater as soggy soil can lead to root rot.
Allow excess water to drain fully from the pot’s bottom after watering. Use containers with drainage holes and well-aerated potting mixes. A moisture meter can help you determine when soil is drying out between waterings.
Fertilize Regularly During Growing Season
Fertilizer provides essential nutrients to fuel plant growth. Apply a balanced liquid or water-soluble fertilizer every 2-4 weeks during the active growing season of spring through fall. Reduce fertilizer over winter when growth naturally slows.
Avoid over-fertilizing which can burn roots and leaves. Carefully follow packaging instructions for correct dilution and application rates. Pair fertilizer with thorough watering to prevent buildup of excess salts.
Prune Judiciously to Shape Growth
Judicious pruning can shape a Balfour aralia as it grows. You can prune off unwanted lower leaves and stems to create a tree-like form. Pinching off new shoot tips prompts bushier, more compact growth.
However, excessive pruning will diminish the plant’s energy, stunting its upward growth. Prune minimally, only removing damaged leaves and stems or thin growth in desired areas. Never remove more than 20% of the plant’s leaves at one time.
Control Pests to Prevent Decline
Spider mites, scale, and mealybugs are common Balfour aralia pests. A heavy infestation can weaken and stunt the plant. Inspect regularly for signs of insects such as webbing, honeydew, or speckled foliage. Treat pests immediately using horticultural oils or insecticidal soap sprays.
Quarantine new plants to prevent introducing pests. Maintain good air circulation and prune away dense growth to discourage pest issues. Keep the plant healthy through proper care as vigorous plants better withstand pest damage.
Repot Annually in Fresh Potting Mix
Repotting into fresh potting mix provides nutrients and facilitates growth. Young, actively growing Balfour aralias may need repotting every 6-12 months. Move the plant into a slightly larger container to allow room for root expansion.
Older, slower growing plants can be repotted every 2-3 years. Slide the rootball from its old pot and gently loosen any tightly packed roots along the edges. This encourages new root growth after repotting.
Size Matters – Choose Appropriate Containers
The size of container directly limits the potential height a Balfour aralia can achieve. Select a pot that allows ample room for root growth but is not excessively large.
For full height growth, choose a container that is 2-4 inches wider than the current rootball and only 2-3 inches deeper. Oversized containers hold too much moisture and very small pots restrict roots. Gradually increase container size as the plant grows.
Summary
With its tropical allure, the Balfour aralia makes a stunning addition to indoor plant collections. By providing optimal conditions including sufficient light, humidity, water, and fertilizer your Balfour aralia can thrive and grow to reach its natural mature height. Pay close attention to the plant’s needs and intervene appropriately to prevent pest damage or environmental stress. Your diligent care will be rewarded with a spectacular specimen with the lush, vibrant growth these tropical beauties are known for.
Scientific Name: Polyscias scutellaria ‘Balfourii’
Overview: Polyscias scutellaria ‘Balfourii’, commonly known as Balfour Aralia, is a striking houseplant that brings an air of sophistication and tropical beauty to any indoor space. This elegant variety is celebrated for its unique, variegated foliage, featuring deep green leaves with creamy white edges, providing a vivid contrast that catches the eye. Perfect for creating a focal point in a room, ‘Balfourii’ grows upright and can reach up to 4-6 feet in height, making it an excellent choice for adding vertical interest. Adaptable to a range of indoor conditions, it thrives in bright, indirect light and requires moderate watering, making it relatively easy to care for.
This item ships in a grower pot.
Recently Shipped Aralia ‘Balfour’
Caring for an aralia plant requires an understanding of its specific needs, which vary among different species and cultivars. By providing the right balance of light, water, temperature, and humidity, you can ensure the healthy growth of these magnificent plants.
Aralias prefer bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can scorch their leaves, while too little light may cause leggy growth. A north-facing window is ideal for indoor plants.
Watering requirements vary by species, but most aralias prefer consistently moist soil. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s crucial to let the topsoil dry out slightly between waterings. They also prefer high humidity, which can be achieved through regular misting, using a humidifier, or placing the plant on a pebble tray with water.
A well-draining potting mix is essential. You can create a suitable mix by combining regular potting soil with perlite or orchid bark to improve drainage.
Feed your aralia with a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every month during the growing season. Reduce feeding in winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows.
Pruning helps maintain the desired shape and size, especially for the bushier cultivars. Trim back leggy growth and remove any dead or yellowing leaves.
Aralias are susceptible to pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and aphids. Regular inspections and prompt treatment with insecticidal soap or neem oil are crucial. Good air circulation helps prevent fungal diseases.
Repot your aralia every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot only slightly larger than the previous one to avoid excessive soil moisture.
| Zone |
11a |
|---|---|
| Sun Exposure |
Full Sun, Partial Shade |
| Mature Height |
25 ft – 50 ft |
| Spacing |
2 ft – 3 ft |
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BALFOUR ARALIA Information, Description & More! (Polyscias balfouriana)
FAQ
How tall do Balfour Aralia get?
How tall do Aralia plants grow?
When to prune an Aralia plant?
Does Aralia like to be root bound?
Where does Balfour Aralia grow?
Balfour Aralia Care Guide: Grow Lush Foliage & Avoid Droopy Leaves! A Balfour Aralia plant is an evergreen plant native to Africa, Asia, Australia, parts of North and Central America, and South America.
Is Balfour Aralia a good houseplant?
Balfour Aralia is a beautiful houseplant that adds a touch of elegance to any indoor space. With its glossy leaves and unique structure, it’s no wonder why it’s becoming increasingly popular among plant enthusiasts. However, like any plant, Balfour Aralia requires proper care to thrive.
What does a Balfour Aralia look like?
The distinct leaves of a Balfour Aralia resemble leathery, round, dinner plates about 1″- 2″ in diameter, which is how the plant got its nickname, the Dinner Plate Aralia. The leaves can range in color from light green to dark green and some varieties have green and cream colored variegated leaves.
How tall does Aralia balfouriana grow?
Aralia balfouriana is a distinctive indoor plant that can grow 3 to 4 feet tall at maturity. Place your aralia balfouriana in indirect but bright light such as a position 3 to 4 feet from a sunny window or near a window covered with a sheer curtain.