The Balfour aralia (Polyscias balfouriana) is a tropical plant that is increasingly gaining popularity as an indoor houseplant. With its lush green foliage and architectural form, the Balfour aralia has become a staple in many homes and offices. But beyond just being an attractive indoor plant, the Balfour aralia has many versatile uses. In this article, we will explore the most popular ways people are using this gorgeous tropical plant.
Decorative Purposes
One of the main reasons the Balfour aralia has become so popular is for its decorative value Its shiny leaves and bushy, tree-like structure make it an ideal choice for adding beauty and a tropical feel to indoor spaces. The Balfour aralia looks great displayed alone as a standout specimen plant or grouped with other houseplants
This versatile plant can be used to decorate tables desktops, countertops, shelves or any other surface. Its height can range from just a couple feet tall to up to 6 feet, making it flexible for small or large spaces. The Balfour aralia’s lush dark green and cream-colored variegated leaves create a focal point wherever it is placed.
Air Purification
In addition to looking beautiful, the Balfour aralia is effective at removing pollutants from indoor air. Studies by NASA have found these plants can filter out harmful volatile organic compounds like formaldehyde, benzene, and trichloroethylene.
The large lush leaves of the Balfour aralia along with its fast growth rate, make it especially adept at absorbing air impurities. This makes it a great plant to have in your living room, bedroom, kitchen, office, or other frequently used rooms to improve air quality.
Natural Medicine
Various parts of the Balfour aralia plant have been used in traditional medicine systems. In Chinese medicine, Balfour aralia is used as a treatment for arthritis, back pain, coughs, colds, and kidney issues.
The anti-inflammatory compounds found in this plant are believed to be responsible for its analgesic effects. Balfour aralia is also used as a general health tonic. While research is still limited, the anecdotal medicinal uses of this plant continue to drive its popularity.
Easy to Grow Houseplant
For those new to indoor gardening, the Balfour aralia is considered relatively easy to grow. It adapts well to the warm, humid conditions found in most homes. The Balfour aralia is not overly demanding in terms of water, light, or fertilization needs.
With some basic care, these plants can grow up to a foot per year. Their lush tropical look thrives with minimal maintenance required. These qualities make Balfour aralia a great “beginner” houseplant.
Versatile Sizes
A major advantage of the Balfour aralia is that you can find plants in a wide range of sizes. Small starter plants may be just 6 inches tall, while fully mature specimens reach up to 6 feet in height. This versatility in size means there is a Balfour aralia suitable for any space.
Larger Balfour aralia plants make excellent floor plants. Smaller versions can be used in desktop displays or small plant stands. You can easily find a size that fits your needs.
Low Light Tolerance
While they prefer bright, indirect light, Balfour aralias are able to tolerate lower light conditions better than many houseplants. Their ability to grow in dim corner areas makes them useful for filling any problem areas in a home lacking sufficient natural light.
If light levels get too low, you may see slower growth. But the Balfour aralia will survive and fill space even with minimal light. This adaptability expands the usable areas in a home for these plants.
Focal Point Plantings
The Balfour aralia’s shiny leaves, branching form, and height combine to create an eye-catching display. This makes Balfour aralia ideally suited for use as a focal point planting indoors.
Place one of these plants prominently in an entryway, living area, or office space to draw attention and create an interesting center of interest. The Balfour aralia’s architectural qualities naturally draw the eye.
Gift Giving
The Balfour aralia has become a popular gift plant choice. Its longevity, easy care needs, and lush tropical foliage appeal to many plant lovers. Small young plants work well as housewarming or birthday gifts. Larger Balfour aralia plants make impressive thank you or retirement presents.
These plants represent a meaningful, long-lasting gift that adds beauty and natural air filtration to any indoor location. A Balfour aralia plant gift will be appreciated for years to come.
The Balfour aralia is clearly an indoor plant with many versatile uses. Whether you are looking to decorate, purify air, benefit from natural medicine, grow an easy care plant, or give a special gift – the Balfour aralia can fulfill your needs beautifully!
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What you need to know about Balfour Aralia
FAQ
What is Balfour Aralia used for?
What was Aralia used for?
Is the Aralia plant edible?
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.
Do Balfour Aralia need a lot of water?
Balfour Aralia plants do best in bright indirect light; but will survive in low light if you are careful not to over-water. Aralias have very fine roots and are easily over-watered. Always allow the top 1/2 of the soil in the pot to dry out before watering. During the winter when plants are resting, they need even less water.
What is Balfour Aralia?
There’s every other Aralia variety, and then there’s Balfour Aralia. Its beauty is made inimitable by its robust green leaves that resemble velvety plates. Aralias are members of the Araliaceae family of plants and are available in more than 70 different forms.
Can Balfour Aralia be propagated?
A: Yes, Balfour Aralia can be propagated by stem cuttings in the spring or summer months. Make sure to use a rooting hormone and keep the soil consistently moist until new growth appears. Q: How often should I repot my Balfour Aralia plant?