January 24, 2023

Hey Plant Friends!

This week we are talking about Polyscias pinnata, more commonly known as Aralia balfour ‘Lemon Lime’. This plant belongs to the Araliaceae family and is native to Africa, Asia, Australia, parts of North and Central America, and South America. Known for its large, round, vibrant green disk-like leaves and large stems, Arailia have been a favorite houseplant for decades. They add a stuctural and sturdy presecse to the home and are easy to care for. If you are looking for something with a columnar habit which takes up less horizonal space, this is the perfect plant for you.

Let’s talk about care. Aralia thrive in bright, indirect light and can handle some shade. Morning sun or and Eastern exposure is best best while direct afternoon sun could cause leaf burn. Check for watering weekly during active growth as plants tend to dry out a bit more quickly. Allow the top 2-3 inches of soil to dry before watering. When re-potting use the Sol Soils Houseplant Mix. This soil has good drainage. Never allow your plant to sit in standing water as this can lead to root rot. Aralias appreciate a supplemental humidity. Increase proximal humidity using a Continuous Spray Bottle. Keep away from any cold drafts during coloder months as the leaves tend to be fragile. As always, keep an eye out for common pests such as mealy bugs and spider mites. Check for pests weekly when watering and keep a bottle of Bonide’s Insecticidal Soap on hand for easy treatment.

Aralia Balfour ‘Lemon Lime’ is available at Tonkadale in 6” pots. If you have additional questions feel free to reach out by phone, Instagram, or email us at hello@tonkadale.com.

Happy Planting!