This plant sports round, dark green leaves in a compact, bushy shape atop its stout trunk. Bringing part of the forest inside, the stunning shape of the leaves is what makes this plant stand out! It is more tolerant of underwatering than overwatering, and can cope with shade (with less water) and will love indirect light. Pick a nice, bright spot with preferably high humidity and your plant will reward you with stunningly-shaped leaves.
Scientific Name Polyscias scutellaria 'Fabian' (many-shaded plant with calyxes like small platters, variety: Fabian)
Common Name Shield Aralia, Plum Aralia, Dinner Plate Aralia, Aralia Fabian
Origin Native to the Pacific Islands Light Your Aralia will prefer bright, indirect light, but can adapt to a shadier spot. Avoid direct sun which can scorch your Aralia plant. Water Allow the top couple of inches of soil to dry out between waters; the Aralia prefers being underwatered to overwatered so it's better to leave it an extra few days if you're not sure.
Humidity This plant likes high humidity, and will benefit from the addition of a humidity tray to increase local humidity
Soil Use a well-draining mix, with components like coir, bark and sand. One designed for ficus will work well. Repot every few years in spring as the plant grows.
Food Feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter. Temperature Average household temperatures of about 18-30°C are fine- make sure it doesn't drop below 15°C in winter.
Pet-safe No, this plant is toxic to pets and small humans.
Sprouts Top Tips The key here is to be consistent with water; your Aralia won't like being waterlogged so make sure you don't let it dry out and then flood it! Ensure when you water that it has a couple of inches of dry soil, and that once watered it's not sat soggy.
We have launched our first (hopefully monthly) ‘Letter from the Founder’ blog post. I talk about a string of bad luck, from water gushing from various ceilings in my life to a break-in, and also reflect on the incredible work we have done to win two awards earlier this year. I look ahead to what’s coming up in August, projects we are working on with our clients, and some thoughts about the rest of the year. And I give an insight into my brain, why I am who I am and why I’m so thankful for all the opportunities, passion and excitement that running Sprouts has given me as a founder and as a woman.