Product Overview
Polyscias Balfouriana.
Polyscias originate from the beautiful, tropical Pacific Islands of Fiji, Bora Bora, and Vanuata. They make super little tree shaped plants, as they have woody stems, distinctive branches, and attractive leaves growing from the top to the bottom.
Green leafed types are very tolerant of lower light, shade, and the variegated types thrive in bright, indirect light.
Polyscias remain fairly, compact, their upright habit making it suitable for a smaller space.
As above, green leafed types prefer a shady spot. Variegated leaf types are happier in a little more light, although you must avoid any strong, direct sun.
Best watered little and often. They like to be kept fairly moist in Spring and Summer, never let dry out completely. A good rule of thumb is to water once the top few centimetres of compost has become dry. Rainwater is much preferred.
Average to warm room temperatures, ideally 18-26c.
Prefers extra humidity, dry air can cause leaf drop. Stand on a tray of moist gravel, and regular misting during the hottest parts of the year will help. Great for kitchens or bathrooms.
Fertilise through Spring and Summer, once a month with a balanced houseplant liquid feed as per instructions.
Prune as desired to maintain shape, and encourage a thicker stem.
Minimum Temp: 15c
In Winter, when temperatures are cooler and growth is slow, reduce the amount and frequency of water, and do not fertilise. Make sure to allow the top 1/3rd of the compost to become dry between watering, again this may take a little while, so don`t be hasty, most problems arise from over watering.
Re-pot in Spring once the roots have filled the current size pot, approx. every 2 years. Only use a slightly larger pot and good quality free draining compost, a big pot with too much compost will hold too much water.
Lower leaves will be shed to reveal more of the attractive trunk, other leaf loss may be down to dry air. Increase humidity as above.
Warnings: Considered mildly toxic – Keep away from pets and children.
