Balfour Aralia

Bringing a touch of the tropics indoors is easy with the balfour aralia. This distinctive houseplant is prized for its glossy, deeply lobed leaves that fan out in a striking circular pattern from each stem.

It adds architectural interest to any room. With the right care, it can be a long-lasting and resilient part of your indoor garden.

This guide covers everything you need to know. We will look at its origins, ideal growing conditions, and how to keep it thriving for years.

The Balfour Aralia, scientifically known as *Polyscias scutellaria* ‘Balfourii’, is a member of the Araliaceae family. It is native to the tropical regions of Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands.

In its natural habitat, it can grow into a sizable shrub. As a houseplant, it is much more manageable, typically reaching heights of 3 to 6 feet indoors.

Its most defining feature is its beautiful foliage. Each leaf is comprised of several rounded, glossy leaflets with slightly scalloped edges, all radiating from a central point.

The stems are often a pale gray-green and may develop a textured appearance over time. It’s a slow to moderate grower, making it a good choice for spaces where you don’t want a plant to quickly outgrow its spot.

Identifying Your Balfour Aralia

It’s sometimes confused with other aralia varieties. Here’s how to be sure you have a Balfour.

Look for these key characteristics:

Leaf Shape: Nearly circular leaflets, often described as shield-shaped.
Leaf Arrangement: Leaves are compound, with multiple leaflets (usually 3-7) arranged in a perfect circle around a central stem.
Leaf Texture: Glossy, leathery, and stiff to the touch. The color is a rich, medium green.
Growth Habit: It tends to grow upright with a branching structure. It can become somewhat tree-like with age.

Light Requirements For Optimal Growth

Light is the most critical factor for a healthy Balfour Aralia. Getting this right solves many potential problems.

This plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Think of the dappled sunlight it would receive under the canopy of taller trees in a forest.

A spot near an east or north-facing window is often ideal. A south or west-facing window can work if the plant is placed a few feet back or filtered by a sheer curtain.

Direct afternoon sun can scorch the leaves, causing unsightly brown patches. If you notice the leaves looking faded or crispy, it’s likely getting too much direct light.

On the other hand, too little light will cause problems. The plant will become leggy, with longer stems and fewer, smaller leaves as it stretches toward the light source.

If your space lacks natural light, you can supplement with a grow light. An LED grow light placed about 12-18 inches above the plant for 6-8 hours a day can make a significant difference.

Watering Your Plant Correctly

Overwatering is the fastest way to harm a Balfour Aralia. They prefer their soil to partially dry out between waterings.

A good rule is to water thoroughly when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry to the touch. Stick your finger into the soil; if it feels moist, wait another day or two.

When you do water, do so deeply. Pour water evenly over the soil until you see it begin to drain freely from the holes in the bottom of the pot.

Always empty the saucer or cache pot after 15-20 minutes. Never let the plant sit in standing water, as this leads to root rot.

Watering needs change with the seasons. The plant will use more water during the active growing season (spring and summer) and much less during the dormant period (fall and winter).

Signs of overwatering include yellowing leaves that drop, and a general soggy, sad appearance. Signs of underwatering are dry, crispy leaf edges and drooping stems.

Choosing The Right Water

Balfour Aralias can be sensitive to chemicals in tap water, such as chlorine and fluoride. This sensitivity can manifest as brown leaf tips.

If your tap water is heavily treated, consider using:

Filtered water
Rainwater collected outdoors
Distilled water
Tap water that has been left out in an open container for 24 hours to allow some chemicals to dissipate

Soil And Potting Needs

The right soil mix ensures proper drainage and aeration for the roots. A standard potting mix alone is often too moisture-retentive.

You need a well-draining, peat-based potting mix. A good recipe is to use two parts all-purpose potting soil to one part perlite or coarse sand.

This combination provides structure, nutrients, and the excellent drainage the plant requires. You can also add a handful of orchid bark for extra chunkiness.

Choose a pot with ample drainage holes. Terracotta pots are an excellent choice because they are porous and allow the soil to dry more evenly, reducing the risk of overwatering.

Repot your Balfour Aralia every 2-3 years, or when you see roots circling the bottom of the pot or growing out of the drainage holes. Only move up one pot size (1-2 inches larger in diameter) at a time.

Temperature And Humidity Preferences

As a tropical plant, the Balfour Aralia enjoys warmth and appreciates moderate to high humidity.

Maintain a consistent room temperature between 65°F and 80°F (18°C – 27°C). Avoid placing it near cold drafts, air conditioning vents, or heating ducts, as sudden temperature fluctuations can cause stress and leaf drop.

It is not cold-hardy and should never be exposed to temperatures below 60°F (15°C) for prolonged periods.

Humidity is where many indoor gardeners face a challenge. Average home humidity (around 30-40%) is often too low.

If the leaf edges become consistently brown and crispy, low humidity is a likely culprit. Here are several ways to increase humidity around your plant:

Use a room humidifier placed nearby. This is the most effective method.
Group it with other plants. Plants release moisture through transpiration, creating a more humid microclimate.
Place the pot on a pebble tray. Fill a shallow tray with pebbles and water, setting the pot on top (ensuring the pot’s base is not sitting in the water).
Mist the leaves regularly with a fine spray of water. While this provides only a temporary boost, it can be helpful if done frequently.

Fertilizing For Healthy Foliage

Regular feeding supports the growth of those beautiful glossy leaves. But more fertilizer is not better; a balanced approach is key.

During the active growing season (spring through early fall), feed your Balfour Aralia every 4-6 weeks. Use a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer (such as a 10-10-10 or 20-20-20 formula) diluted to half the recommended strength.

Fertilizing at full strength can lead to a buildup of salts in the soil, which can damage the roots. Always water the soil lightly before applying fertilizer to prevent root burn.

In the late fall and winter, when growth naturally slows, stop fertilizing altogether. The plant is not actively growing and will not use the nutrients, which can again harm the root system.

Pruning and Maintenance

Regular pruning helps maintain a attractive shape and encourages bushier growth. It also allows you to remove any damaged or unhealthy foliage.

How To Prune Your Balfour Aralia

The best time to prune is in the spring or early summer, at the start of the active growth period. Use clean, sharp pruning shears or scissors.

Identify any long, leggy stems you want to shorten.
Look for a leaf node (the point on the stem where a leaf is or was attached).
Make your cut just above a leaf node. New growth will emerge from this point.
You can also remove any yellowing or dead leaves at their base.
Don’t remove more than one-third of the plant’s total foliage at one time to avoid excessive stress.

Pruning is also an opportunity for propagation. The stem tip cuttings you remove can be rooted to create new plants.

Cleaning The Leaves

The large, glossy leaves can collect dust, which blocks sunlight and hampers the plant’s ability to photosynthesize.

Wipe the leaves gently every few weeks with a soft, damp cloth. For a thorough cleaning, you can place the plant in the shower and rinse the leaves with lukewarm water, allowing it to drain completely afterward.

Avoid using leaf shine products, as they can clog the pores (stomata) on the leaves.

Common Problems and Solutions

Even with good care, you might encounter some issues. Here’s how to diagnose and fix common problems.

Yellowing Leaves

Yellow leaves are a common symptom with several possible causes.

Overwatering: This is the most frequent cause. Check the soil moisture and adjust your watering schedule. Ensure the pot drains well.
Underwatering: While less common, severe dryness can also cause leaves to yellow and drop. The soil will feel very dry.
Nutrient Deficiency: If older leaves are yellowing, the plant may need fertilizer. A lack of nitrogen is a common culprit.
Natural Aging: It’s normal for the oldest leaves (usually at the bottom of the plant) to occasionally yellow and fall off as the plant grows.

Leaf Drop

Sudden leaf drop is usually a sign of environmental stress.

The plant is reacting to a significant change. Common stressors include:

A sudden move to a location with very different light levels.
Exposure to a cold draft or a drastic temperature drop.
Severe underwatering or, more often, overwatering that has led to root issues.

Identify and correct the stressor, and the plant should stabilize and produce new growth. Be patient, as recovery can take several weeks.

Pests To Watch For

Balfour Aralias can be susceptible to common houseplant pests, especially when stressed or in suboptimal conditions.

Regularly inspect the undersides of leaves and along stems.

Spider Mites: Tiny, sap-sucking pests that create fine webbing. Leaves may look stippled or dusty. Increase humidity and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Mealybugs: Small, white, cottony insects that cluster in leaf axils and on stems. Remove with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
Scale: Appear as small, brown, bumpy shells attached to stems and leaves. Scrape off with a fingernail or treat with horticultural oil.

Isolate any infested plant immediately to prevent the pests from spreading to your other houseplants.

Propagation Techniques

Creating new plants from your existing Balfour Aralia is straightforward. The most reliable method is using stem cuttings.

Propagating From Stem Cuttings

In spring or early summer, use a clean, sharp knife or shears to take a 4-6 inch stem tip cutting. Choose a healthy stem with several leaves.
Remove the leaves from the bottom half of the cutting.
Optionally, dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder. This can encourage faster root development but is not strictly necessary.
Plant the cutting in a small pot filled with a moist, well-draining propagation mix (like half perlite, half peat).
Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag or place it in a propagation dome to maintain high humidity. Ensure the plastic does not touch the leaves.
Place the setup in a warm spot with bright, indirect light.
Keep the growing medium slightly moist, but not soggy. Roots should begin to form in 4-8 weeks. You can gently tug on the cutting after a few weeks; resistance means roots have developed.
Once rooted, gradually acclimate the new plant to normal room humidity by opening the bag for longer periods over a week. Then, care for it as you would a mature plant.

Styling and Placement Ideas

With its sculptural form, the Balfour Aralia makes a strong design statement. It works well in a variety of interior styles.

Its upright growth makes it a perfect floor plant for filling an empty corner. Place it beside a sofa, next to a bookshelf, or near a bright window where it can become a focal point.

Because of its tolerance for lower light levels compared to some tropicals, it can also be used to add greenery further into a room, not just directly at windows.

It pairs beautifully with other plants that have different leaf textures, like the soft fronds of a fern or the broad leaves of a Monstera. Choose a decorative pot that complements your decor—a neutral cement pot for a modern look or a woven basket for a bohemian feel.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is The Balfour Aralia Pet Friendly?

No. The Balfour Aralia is considered toxic to cats and dogs if ingested. The plant contains saponic compounds that can cause vomiting, drooling, and oral irritation. It’s best to keep this plant out of reach of curious pets.

Why Are The Leaves On My Balfour Aralia Turning Brown?

Brown leaves, especially at the tips or edges, are most commonly caused by low humidity or chemicals in tap water. Other causes include too much direct sun (sunburn) or inconsistent watering (both over and under). Review your care routine, focusing on humidity and water quality first.

How Fast Does A Balfour Aralia Grow?

It is considered a slow to moderate grower indoors. With ideal conditions—bright indirect light, consistent warmth, and proper feeding—you might see several inches of new growth per season. Growth will be minimal during the winter months.

Can I Put My Balfour Aralia Outside For The Summer?

Yes, you can move it outdoors once nighttime temperatures are consistently above 60°F. Choose a shady or partially shaded spot protected from strong winds. The dappled light under a tree is perfect. Remember to acclimate it gradually over a week to prevent shock, and check for pests more frequently. Bring it back inside well before nighttime temperatures drop in the fall.

Should I Mist My Balfour Aralia Plant?

Misting can provide a temporary boost in humidity, which the plant appreciates. However, it is not a substitute for addressing overall low humidity in your home. For lasting results, using a humidifier or a pebble tray is more effective. If you do mist, use lukewarm water and do it in the morning so the leaves dry before evening.