Aralia is a genus of plants belonging to a huge family of Araliaceae that consists of more than 70 species. The plant is a striking, multi-stemmed plant that is easy to care for and is a popular house plant. Aralia green is suitable for indoor landscaping.

Essentials

Essential - Aralia
Essential – Aralia

Benefits of Aralia plants

The Aralia plant is a popular choice for many gardeners due to its numerous benefits. Some of the most notable benefits include:

🌳 The Aralia plant is very easy to care for and does not require a lot of maintenance.
🌳 The plant is known to be very tolerant of different types of weather conditions, making it a versatile option for many different climates.
🌳 Aralia plants are known to be very resilient and can bounce back quickly from any type of damage.
🌳 The plant produces a beautiful white flower that blooms in the springtime.

Qwert1234, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Best time to grow Aralia plants

The best time to plant an Aralia is in the spring or fall. Aralias prefer cooler weather and will not do well in hot, humid summers. They should be planted in a location that gets full sun to partial shade and has well-drained soil.

When planting, bury the roots no more than 1-2 inches below the soil surface. After planting, water deeply and mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture.

Aralias can be propagated by seed or division. Seedlings should be planted in containers in the spring and transplanted to their permanent location when they are 4-6 inches tall.

For best results, divide plants every 3-4 years.

Planting and spacing of Aralia

Plant aralias in moist, humus-rich, well-drained soil. Space plants 3 to 5 feet apart, depending on the species. Plant in full sun to part shade.

Part shade is best in hot summer regions. Consider adding an organic mulch around the base of the plant to help retain moisture and moderate soil temperatures.

Apply a 2-inch layer of mulch, such as shredded leaves, pine needles or wood chips. Aralias are not drought tolerant and will not survive extended periods without water.

Water regularly during the growing season and provide extra water during prolonged droughts. Fertilize aralias monthly with a half-strength solution of an all-purpose fertilizer during the growing season.

Once established, aralias are quite tolerant of urban pollution and will even grow near roadways. Reduce watering and fertilizer in late fall to encourage dormancy.

Cut back stems close to the ground in late winter before new growth begins in spring.

Companion planting for Aralia

A Companion Plant is a plant that grows well with other plants nearby. Companion plants have many benefits, including:
🌳they can provide shade or windbreaks for each other;
🌳they can attract helpful insects;
🌳they can deter pests; and
🌳they can improve the soil.

Some good companion plants for Aralia plants include:
🌳Azaleas
🌳Begonias
🌳Ferns
🌳Impatiens
🌳Ivy
🌳Kalanchoes
🌳Petunias
🌳Plectranthus
🌳Violets

Aralia californica flower. Source wiki commons

Care for Aralia plants

Aralia is a popular houseplant that is known for its attractive, variegated leaves. While Aralia is relatively easy to care for, there are a few things to keep in mind in order to keep your plant healthy.

First, Aralia prefers bright, indirect light. too much sun can cause the leaves to scorch, so it is best to place your plant in an east- or west-facing window.

Second, Aralia likes to be kept moist, but not soggy. Water your plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.

Third, Aralia benefits from being fertilized every two weeks during the growing season. Use a half-strength fertilizer and water it well after applying.

Growing Aralia plants in containers

Growing Aralia plants in containers and pots can be a great way to add greenery to your home without taking up too much space. Here are a few tips to help you get started:

  • Choose a pot that is large enough to accommodate the roots of your plant. Aralias can grow quite large, so make sure to select a pot that is at least 18 inches in diameter.
  • Use a well-draining potting mix. Aralias prefer moist soil, but they will not tolerate soggy conditions. Be sure to use a potting mix that contains perlite or another type of drainage material.
  • Place your pot in an area that receives partial sun. Aralias will do best in bright, indirect light. Avoid placing them in direct sunlight, as this can scorch the leaves,
Aralia cordata. Qwert1234, CC BY-SA 3.0 https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0, via Wikimedia Commons

Varieties of Aralia plants

Varieties of the Aralia plant include:

  • Jackie (Aralia elata ‘Jacquline’)
  • Variegated Sunflower (Aralia cordata)
  • Spotted Laurel (Aralia crenata ‘Variegata’)
  • Lacy Tree (Aralia hispida)
  • Ginseng (Aralia racemosa)
  • Japanese Angelica Tree (Aralia elata)
  • Dwarf Ginseng (Aralia cordata ‘Sunspot’)
  • Korean Angelica Tree (Aralia coreana)
  • American Mandrake, False or Wild Pygmy Ginseng (Aralia nudicaulis)

Irritation to pets from Aralia plants

Irritation to pets from the Aralia plant is typically characterized by redness, swelling, and itching of the skin. In more severe cases, blistering or ulceration may occur.

The plant sap is thought to be the most likely culprit, as it contains compounds that can cause irritation when they come into contact with the skin.

If you suspect your pet has been exposed to the Aralia plant, it is important to seek veterinary attention immediately. Treatment will typically involve washing the affected area with soap and water, as well as applying a topical anti-inflammatory cream.

In severe cases, oral steroids may be necessary to reduce swelling and promote healing. With prompt treatment, most pets will make a full recovery.

Pests and diseases that affect Aralia plants

Pests and diseases are common problems with Aralia plants. Some of the most common pests include aphids, mealybugs, scale insects, and whiteflies.

These pests can cause damage to the plant by sucking nutrients from the leaves or stems. In severe cases, they can also cause the plant to become stunted or deformed.

Diseases that affect Aralia plants include powdery mildew, root rot, and leaf spot. Powdery mildew is a white fungus that forms on the leaves and stems of the plant.

Root rot is caused by too much moisture around the roots of the plant. Leaf spot is caused by different fungi and can result in brown or black spots on the leaves.

Pests and diseases can be controlled with regular applications of organic insecticides and fungicides.

However, it is important to choose products that are specifically labeled for use on Aralia plants. Applying the wrong products can harm the plant or make the problem worse.

Propagation of Aralia plants

Propagation of the Aralia plant can be done through stem cuttings. It is best to take the stem cuttings from new growth that has not yet flowered. The cuttings should be about 4-6 inches long, and they should be taken from the tips of the stems.

How to propagate aralia plant from cuttings

Once the cuttings have been taken, they should be placed in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. The pot should then be placed in a warm, bright location.

Once the cuttings have been rooted, they can be transplanted into individual pots. Aralia plants can also be Propagated by seed, but this method is less common.

To Propagate by seed, the seeds should be sown in a pot filled with moistened potting mix. The pot should then be placed in a warm, bright location. Once the seeds have germinated, they can be transplanted into individual pots.

Aralia
Water A little, once every 2-3 weeks
Soil ph 6.0-6.5
Sunlight hours 8 hours per day
Pests and Diseases Aphids, spider mites, thrips, plant scale bugs,root rot, leaf spot, botrytis, powdery mildew, and southern blight
Temperature 15-25 deg C
Soil composition Well-drained, loamy, rich, acidic potting mix

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