Stump Care for the Fabian Aralia Plant

Ambient Temperatures

• Polyscias are true tropicals that cannot safely tolerate temperatures below 55 degrees Fahrenheit. When stumps are being regrown or stem cuttings are being rooted, ambient temperatures must remain within a specified range to stimulate new root growth. Stumps should be grown in a location where ambient temperatures remain between 70 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit. If using a heating mat or other bottom heat appliance, the ideal consistent temperature specifically for the root zone of the Aralia is between 70 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

Soil Moisture & Ambient Humidity

• Aralias require moist soil at the roots but can easily fall prey to rot so overly wet and persistently soggy soil must be avoided. Wet the soil thoroughly all the way through and then allow the top 1/4-inch of soil to dry before irrigating once again. Drain the plant saucers regularly so the roots are not in standing water. As important as irrigation is high ambient humidity that mimics the natural conditions in the tropics. Using a humidifier, polyethylene horticultural tenting or a greenhouse will help to provide ideal conditions for the Aralia stump or rooted cutting and may cut down on the amount of water needed to keep the soil moist. Higher humidity will also keep leafed out plants evenly green and prevent the leaf margins from browning and curling.

Growing Soil & Applied Fertilzers

• Aralia stubs and cuttings should be planted in a nursery soil that has some water holding capacity and a slightly acidic pH of 6.0. According to the University of Arkansas, the species is a medium level consumer of applied nutrients and should be fertilized once each month only after the plant has developed new roots and is knitted into the soil. Use a complete fertilizer product with an guaranteed analysis of 3-1-2 or 2-1-2 or similar N-P-K ratio. Follow the product label dosing directions for the soil volume surrounding your plant stump, but do not exceed 1.25 to 1.5 pounds of fertilizer for every 500 square feet of planting soil. Excess fertilizer can burn the delicate roots and cause weak top growth at the expense of root development so resist any tendency to overfeed your Fabian Aralia.

Light Exposure

• Fabian Aralia requires a medium light level, compared to other indoor plants, according to the University of Arkansas. Out of doors very bright indirect light or filtered sunlight that mimics the tropical hammock is ideal. Direct full sun all day long will scorch the plant so avoid totally unprotected locations. The brighter the indirect or filtered light the more dense and deeply green the foliage will grow. Insufficient light will result in less colorful foliage and a leggier, less attractive growth form. When growing indoors, mimic the natural outdoor conditions by providing 200 to 500 foot candles of light for 7 to 10 hours daily. This can be from sunlight, full spectrum artificial light or a combination of the two.