Identifying and Pruning a Balfour Aralia (Polyscias balfouriana)

A reader sent photos of a plant purchased a year ago that lost leaves after a week-long absence (suspected overwatering). The expert identified it as Polyscias balfouriana, or Balfour Aralia, a relative of the Ming Aralia.

Care Requirements

• Pot: Keep tightly potted; resents root disturbance.
• Light: Within a few feet of a sunny window.
• Water: Allow soil to dry about 1/8 of the pot depth before thorough watering. Overwatering rots roots; underwatering causes leaf drop but recovery is possible.
• Pruning: Trim long, leggy stems. Cut the tallest stem back to just above the next tallest stems to encourage bushier growth.

With consistent care and good light, the plant will stabilize and produce compact new growth.

Expert advice from Will Creed, Interior Landscaper, Horticultural Help, NYC.