Contents
Description
Polyscias Australiana, also known as the Australian aralia, is a popular houseplant native to Australia and the Pacific Islands. It belongs to the Araliaceae family and is a shrub or small tree that can grow up to 6 meters tall in its natural habitat. The plant has a striking appearance, with its glossy, dark green leaves that are divided into several leaflets, giving it a feathery look. It also produces clusters of small, white flowers that are followed by small, red berries.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Genus | Polyscias |
Appearance
Polyscias Australiana has a unique appearance that makes it a great addition to any indoor space. Its leaves are leathery and glossy, with each leaf having several leaflets that are arranged in a feathery pattern. The leaves can grow up to 20 cm long and 15 cm wide. The plant produces small, white flowers that are followed by small, red berries. The plant’s stem is woody and can grow up to 6 meters tall in its natural habitat.
Care Guide
Polyscias Australiana is a relatively easy plant to care for, making it a great choice for beginner gardeners. Here are some care tips to keep your plant healthy:Water: Water your plant when the top inch of soil is dry. Make sure to use room temperature water and avoid overwatering, as this can lead to root rot.Fertilization: Fertilize your plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Soil: Use a well-draining soil mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.Sunlight: Polyscias Australiana prefers bright, indirect light. Avoid placing it in direct sunlight, as this can scorch its leaves.Hardiness Zones: Polyscias Australiana is not frost-tolerant and is best grown indoors or in a greenhouse.
Common Pests & Diseases
Polyscias Australiana is generally a healthy plant, but it can be susceptible to some pests and diseases. Here are the most common ones:Spider mites: These tiny pests can cause webbing on the leaves and damage the plant. Use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.Mealybugs: These pests look like small cotton balls and can cause leaf drop and stunted growth. Use an insecticidal soap or neem oil to control them.Root rot: Overwatering can cause root rot, which can be fatal to the plant. Make sure to use well-draining soil and avoid overwatering.
Habitat
Polyscias Australiana is native to Australia and the Pacific Islands, where it grows in rainforests and other tropical environments. It prefers a warm, humid climate and can tolerate some shade.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Polyscias Australiana be grown outdoors?
A: While Polyscias Australiana can be grown outdoors in warm, humid climates, it is best grown indoors or in a greenhouse in most areas.Q: How often should I fertilize my Polyscias Australiana plant?
A: Fertilize your plant every two weeks during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.Q: What is the ideal temperature range for Polyscias Australiana?
A: Polyscias Australiana prefers a warm, humid climate and thrives in temperatures between 18-24°C.Q: How can I propagate my Polyscias Australiana plant?
A: You can propagate your plant through stem cuttings. Take a cutting that is 10-15 cm long and remove the lower leaves. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone and plant it in moist soil mix. Keep the soil moist and place the cutting in bright, indirect light.
Related Plants
Here are some related plants to Polyscias Australiana:- Polyscias fruticosa- Polyscias balfouriana- Polyscias guilfoylei- Polyscias scutellaria- Polyscias elegans
References
– “Polyscias australiana.” PlantNet. Accessed August 16, 2021. https://plantnet.rbgsyd.nsw.gov.au/cgi-bin/NSWfl.pl?page=nswfl&lvl=sp&name=Polyscias~australiana- “Polyscias australiana (Australian aralia).” Gardenia.net. Accessed August 16, 2021. https://www.gardenia.net/plant/polyscias-australiana-australian-aralia.
