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.
