Polyscias filicifolia - Fern-leaf Aralia

These miniature trees look fabulous with their delicate, branching, fernlike foliage. Slow growing, they can get up to 2m (7ft) tall, depending on your indoor conditions. You'll just have to exercise patience to get it there! Get this plan somewhere bright, out of harsh rays of direct sun and this will help it grow its best! One thing to watch out for here is the temperature; Polyscias like this one love to be warm and can't cope with temperatures below 16°C - so keep an eye on your indoor temperatures and this plant will be your best leafy friend.

Scientific Name
Polyscias filicifolia (many umbrella'd plant with fern-like leaves)

Common Name
Fern-Leaf Aralia, Angelica

Origin
This plant's native range spreads across tropical areas in the Southwest Pacific to New Guinea.

Light
Direct sun can scorch the plant but it will still prefer bright indirect light. It can adapt to shade but will grow slower and need less water. If you notice your plant dropping leaves, it may not be getting enough light.

Water
Water when the top layer of soil has dried out; if in doubt, it's better to be slightly too dry than slightly too wet so don't worry about leaving it a couple of extra days.

Humidity
A spot with higher humidity, like a kitchen or bathroom, will be best suited for this plant, If the air is too dry it will start to drop leaves- if this happens, it may benefit from the introduction of a humidity tray.

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; it is fine being pot bound for a while but once the roots start growing out of the bottom, it's time for more space.

Food
Feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter.

Temperature
Your Fern-Leaf Aralia can be picky with temperature; it likes to be between 18-29°C all year round. Don't let it drop below 16°C in winter.

Pet-safe
No, this plant is toxic to pets and small humans.

Sprouts Top Tips
You can keep your Polyscias bushy by pruning/pinching out its branches. It may drop its leaves over winter, but don't worry; they should come back in spring, so enjoy your Polyscias trunk until the temperatures rise again.