Aralia

Aralias should be watered in moderation; overwatering can cause root rot. It’s best to use the ‘soak and dry’ technique; allow the soil to become completely dry between waterings. It’s also important to make sure that any excess water can drain away as standing water can cause the roots to rot. Overwatering is more dangerous to Aralias than under-watering is.

Aralias prefer indirect light, and so should be placed out of direct sunlight. An east-facing window is the best position to place them in, as the bright but indirect light is ideal for them to grow strong and healthy. If the leaves start yellowing, it might be a sign the plant is getting too much light and needs to be moved to a shadier spot.

Aralias prefer temperatures between 65 and 77 degrees Fahrenheit (18-25 degrees Celsius). Temperatures higher than this can cause the leaves of the plant to droop and start yellowing. In warmer climates, the plant can be kept outdoors with some protection from direct sunlight and extreme temperatures, but should be brought indoors during the winter months.

Aralias prefer high humidity, so it’s important to place the plant in locations with an air humidifier. Bathrooms and kitchens, where the air is naturally more humid, are ideal spots. If these areas aren’t available, consider placing the plant in a tray filled with pebbles and water; misting the leaves with water daily can also increase the humidity around the plant.

Aralias prefer a light, well-draining soil with a neutral pH level. The best way to achieve this is to use a mixture of three parts potting soil, one part peat moss, and one part perlite or coarse sand. A handful of slow-release fertilizer can also be added to the mix.

It’s important to fertilize Aralias regularly during the growing season. A slow release fertilizer should be added to the potting mix when the plant is repotted. When the plant is actively growing from mid-spring to mid-fall, it should be fed every two weeks with a liquid fertilizer that is high in nitrogen. As the plant enters its dormant period in late fall, fertilizing should be cut back to once every three months.

Aralias are generally quite pest-resistant, however they are susceptible to mealybugs, scale, aphids and spider mites. If these pests appear, it’s important to address them right away. The best way to treat the plants is with an insecticide soap, which will kill the pests without harming the plant. It’s important to spray the mixture both sides of the leaves and all around the stem, as well as the crevices of the flowers and trusses. The plant should be sprayed in the morning and afternoon every 4-5 days until all of the pests have disappeared.

Aralias should be repotted every two to three years, taking care to use fresh potting soil when doing so. Repotting should be done in the spring, and it’s important to choose pots with plenty of drainage holes. Aralias prefer to be lightly root-bound, so only move them up one pot size at a time.

It’s important to regularly prune Aralias to prevent them from becoming leggy and weak. Pruning should be done in spring just after the Aralia stops flowering, and the process should involve cutting off the dead, deteriorating, or diseased branches, as well as any stems that are threadbare. It’s important to use sharp and clean shears to avoid bacteria build up on the blades. Deadheading can also extend the floral season.

Adding a layer of organic mulch can help maintain the moisture in the soil around the roots of an Aralia plant. This mulch should be kept a few inches away from the base of the plant to help keep it healthy.

Aralias can be propagated by stem cuttings taken in late spring to early summer. It’s important to use a sterilized pair of pruners to avoid any diseases being transmitted from the mother plant. The best way to propagate Aralias is by semi-hardwood cuttings. Cut a section of stem 6-8 inches long and make sure that there are some soft buds on it. Remove the lower three pairs of leaves and dip the stem in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in moist potting soil and cover with a plastic bag to retain moisture. Keep the bag away from direct sunlight and wait for the roots to appear.

Because of the size and weight of Aralias, it’s important to provide them with support while growing. A wooden stake or trellis can be used to help the plant grow tall, or you can let the stems drape over the edge of a planter.

Aralias are dormant during the winter months and so don’t need as much water or fertilization. Cut back on the amount of water and fertilization during this time to prevent the plant from becoming stressed. This is also the best time to prune the plant if necessary.

Aralias are not toxic to humans but can be somewhat toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, so it’s best to keep them away from pets. The plant contains an oil called Fatsio that can be irritating to the gastrointestinal tract if ingested.