Adding plants to your home or office is one of the easiest ways to liven up your space. However, finding spots for traditional potted plants can be tricky, especially if you have limited floor or table space. This is where hanging plants come in! Not only do they save space, but they also create an eye-catching display. One excellent option for a hanging plant is the Balfour aralia. With its cascading stems and graceful leaves, this plant is sure to make a statement wherever it’s displayed.
What is a Balfour Aralia?
The Balfour aralia, scientifically known as Polyscias balfouriana, is a tropical plant native to the Solomon Islands. It features delicate, lacy foliage made up of deeply divided leaflets on long slender stems that can grow up to 3 feet long. The leaves are a rich green color with a glossy sheen. While the plant can grow up to 5 feet tall and 3 feet wide when potted it can be pruned and trained to fit into much smaller spaces.
Benefits of Hanging a Balfour Aralia
There are many advantages to displaying a Balfour aralia as a hanging plant:
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Saves floor and table space. Since it’s suspended in the air, a hanging aralia doesn’t take up valuable real estate.
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Creates a focal point. With its cascading stems and ornamental foliage, a hanging Balfour aralia draws the eye upward and becomes a point of interest.
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Adds height and dimension. Hanging plants add visual depth and height to a space, especially when hung at different levels.
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Provides greenery even in low-light spots. Many hanging plant options like the Balfour aralia tolerate lower light conditions that would stress a potted plant.
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Brings nature indoors. The graceful flowing stems and lush leaves evoke a natural element in an indoor space.
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Air purification. Like all houseplants, the Balfour aralia filters toxins from the air.
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Easy access to foliage. Since it’s elevated, you can appreciate the details of the leaves and prune or train new growth easily.
Choosing a Hanging Planter
Balfour aralias look beautiful in hanging planters of all styles. Consider these options:
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Glass terrariums – Add a modern trendy look
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Wicker baskets – Provide natural texture
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Ceramic pots – Offer bright colors and patterns
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Macrame hangers – Give a bohemian vibe
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Geometric metal planters – Create an industrial feel
Choose a planter with drainage holes and make sure it is lightweight enough to hang safely once filled with soil and the plant. Scale the size of the planter to fit your aralia’s root ball so it has room to grow.
Display Ideas for Hanging Balfour Aralia
One of the best aspects of a hanging aralia is its versatility—it can adapt to any style. Consider these ideas:
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Create a living wreath by training the stems in a circular planter.
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Hang above a desk or reading nook for a mini indoor treehouse effect.
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Suspend between two open shelves to divide a space.
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Display multiple hanging aralias at staggered heights on a stairwell wall.
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Let stems trail down from high wall-mounted sconces or light fixtures.
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Group three matching planters in a corner to form a unique botanical installation.
How to Care for a Hanging Balfour Aralia
Caring for your hanging Balfour aralia is easy. Just follow these simple care guidelines:
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Light – Thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid direct sun.
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Water – Allow soil to dry out slightly between waterings. Take care not to overwater.
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Humidity – Mist leaves regularly or use a pebble tray to boost humidity.
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Temperature – Prefers average room temperatures 65-75°F. Avoid drafts.
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Fertilizer – Feed every 2-3 weeks in spring and summer with a balanced houseplant fertilizer.
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Pruning – Trim back long stray stems to shape plant as desired.
Troubleshooting Issues
If your hanging aralia exhibits any of these problems, make the following adjustments:
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Leaf drop – Increase watering frequency.
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Leaf spots – Reduce watering and increase air circulation.
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Leggy growth – Provide more light exposure.
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Brown leaf tips – Less fertilizer or move away from direct sun exposure.
Final Thoughts
With its cascading stems, ornamental foliage, and compact size, the Balfour aralia makes an excellent hanging plant. Creatively displayed in an eye-catching planter, it can become a focal point or living work of art in your home or office. The graceful aralia adds beauty and a natural element without taking up valuable floor space. Following basic care guidelines, your hanging Balfour aralia will thrive for years of enjoyment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Where should I hang my Balfour aralia?
The best spots to hang a Balfour aralia are near an east or west facing window where it will receive plenty of bright, indirect light. Avoid southern exposures where it may get too much direct sun.
How often do I need to water my hanging aralia?
Water your hanging Balfour aralia whenever the top inch of soil becomes dry. Take care not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot. Allow any excess water to drain out after watering.
What type of fertilizer should I use?
Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength. Fertilize every 2-3 weeks during the spring and summer when the Balfour aralia is actively growing.
Why are the leaves turning brown?
Brown leaf tips are usually caused by dry air, low humidity, or buildup of fertilizer salts. Try misting the leaves regularly for added humidity and flushing the soil monthly. Also move the plant away from hot or cold drafts.
How can I get my aralia to grow fuller?
Increase light exposure, fertilize regularly in spring and summer, and prune back leggy stems to encourage bushier regrowth. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to leggy growth.
What temperature does a Balfour aralia prefer?
Balfour aralias do best with average household temperatures between 65-75°F during the day and 60-65°F at night. Avoid placing them near heating/cooling vents where temperatures may fluctuate drastically.
Can I prune my hanging aralia?
Yes, prune your Balfour aralia any time to remove dead or damaged growth or to maintain its desired size and shape. New shoots will emerge after pruning.
How do I propagate new Balfour aralias?
Take 6 inch stem tip cuttings in spring or summer. Remove lower leaves and place in water or moist potting soil until roots develop. Then plant in containers.
Can I grow a Balfour aralia outside?
No, the Balfour aralia is a tropical plant adapted to indoor conditions. It cannot tolerate any frost or cold temperatures below 50°F.
What are signs my aralia is getting too much light?
If the leaves start to appear washed out or bleached in color or if leaf tips turn brown, it likely indicates too much direct sun exposure. Move the plant to a spot with bright but indirect light.
Debunking Myths Around Balfour Aralia and Human Toxicity
Myths about Balfour Aralias toxicity are as sticky as gum on a shoe. The reality? No scientific evidence supports claims that Polyscias balfouriana is harmful to humans. Its like the plant version of an urban legend—spooky, but baseless.
The sap may cause irritation, much like many household items that arent food-grade. But this doesnt make the plant toxic. Its about as dangerous as a soap bubble—irritating if it gets in the eye, but otherwise harmless.
Child-Proofing Your Green Space
Elevation is your best friend when it comes to plant safety. High shelves and hanging planters are perfect for keeping Balfour Aralia out of tiny hands reach. Its like a game of keep-away, but with foliage.
Room dividers with plant holders can double as a stylish and functional barrier. Theyre like the Swiss Army knife of child-proofing—multi-purpose and sleek.