Polyscias… Polyscias, who among you has already heard of this plant? She is certainly not among the best known, yet she has a rather fascinating figure. Looking at it, it seems we can recognize oriental features. Probably, if we were on the banks of a Japanese river and saw it peeking out from a green area, we wouldn’t be surprised at all.
Indeed, it would blend into the landscape as if it had been specifically designed to follow the sinuous shapes of Japanese trees.
Here, however, Polyscias is cultivated as a houseplant, and upon seeing it, you recall the appearance of a small tree; therefore, it is ideal for adding a touch of elegance, definitely unique, to your homes!
I mean, who wouldn’t want to be able to admire a miniature tree in their home?
POLISH
Polyscias is a relative of Ginseng and Ivy! However, it is not edible, although in some areas its leaves are consumed.
They are houseplants that belong to the Apiaceae family and are native to India.
This plant can reach a height of one and a half meters inside closed environmentsso don’t be scared by its appearance, although it seems like a plant destined to grow a lot it won’t turn your apartment into a tree house.
Its name is rather particular, although it does not seem linked to particular legends. “Poly” comes from Greek and means “many“, While “Know” “shadowProbably in ancient times its growth was observed in shaded areas, which earned it this curious name.
The appearance of Polyscias, as we have already mentioned, is rather particular: it is like having a tree at home. Like the plants we have already talked about in the perfect plants for partial shade areas of apartments, polyscias loves shade. It develops distinctive branches on which characteristic leaves grow from the bottom up. Depending on the variety the leaves can be green, yellow or white, they also differ in shape which can be either round or heart-shaped.
Polyscias tends to develop upwards, thus maintaining a compact figure that is perfectly suited even to those who only have limited space.
FLOWERING
This enchanting plant also manages to flower. The flowers grow in inflorescences of about 15cm, in tropical countries the flowers are followed by drupes.
Naturally, optimal conditions do not persist inside the house, so we will have to settle for admiring the flowers!
TAKING CARE OF POLYSCIAS
So let’s get to the point, how can we take care of this very particular plant? We’ll tell you right away!
EXPOSURE
In our homes, Polyscias will do well in areas of partial shade, it also tolerates light well but never direct.
TEMPERATURE
While it is fairly resistant, it is advisable to keep it in an environment where the temperature does not fall below 15°C to avoid damaging the plant.
WATERING
No need to worry about watering; the plant will indicate when it needs water! Check the soil, and when it feels nearly dry, water generously.
Just be careful not to let it dry too much and, at the same time, to do not create water stagnations.
These plants, being tropical, love humidity very much. So remember not to keep them in too dry environments, but normally domestic environments enjoy 40-50% humidity in the air, which proves to be sufficient.
LAND
The ideal soil for these plants is acid-based, clayey, rich in nutrients, and well-draining.
We recommend our Florenpot, a soil specially designed to make your houseplants feel at home!
FERTILIZATION
During the summer months, you can fertilize Polyscias as often as once a week, but this will cause the plant to grow even more quickly. If you want to better control its size, decrease the amount of fertilization.
The best way to propagate Polyscias is by using cuttings.
Any time of the year is suitable for taking a cutting, but May is generally the optimal period, similar to other plants.
PRUNING
If the plant is not pruned, it may grow excessively, occupying more space than available, making pruning sometimes necessary.
Polyscias derives many benefits from cutting the tips; in fact, this practice encourages it to grow thicker and more harmonious.
ILLNESSES
Fortunately, these plants enjoy very good health, which however does not make them immune to everything, especially annoying parasites such as cochineal, whiteflies, and aphids.
In case your plant is attacked, keep your nerves and intervene with a good insecticide.
THE POLYSCIAS OF THE NURSERIES THE GEORGICHE
Here at Vivai le Georgiche we host two wonderful varieties of Polyscias, we present them to you!
- Polyscias fruticosa “Hawaiian”
This Polyscias is a houseplant with a bushy habit, reaching a height of approximately 100-120 centimetres. It develops branches at regular intervals and small showy flowers in summer. - Polyscias ‘Fabian’
Much appreciated for its decorative foliage, it has a trunk that resembles that of a bonsai and large oval-shaped leaves, shiny green in color, edged with red-burgundy. When grown in an apartment it reaches a height of approximately 100-150cm.