Explore Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
Can't find the answer in our existing FAQs, submit a question to Mr. Smarty Plants.
Need help with plant identification, visit the plant identification page.
rate this answer
Friday - January 04, 2008
From: McAllen, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Care of the non-native Aralias (Genus Polyscias)
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Today I purchased a POLYSCIAS common name "Aralia" I was told that can be happy inside, little light. Please could you inform me how to take care: feeding, fertilizing, watering needs? Does it bloom? I love it, but they did not know much at the nursery. I live in McAllen, Texas (Rio Grande Valley)ANSWER:
Our focus and expertise here at the Wildflower Center is with plants native to North America. The Aralias (Genus Polyscias) are native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands and, as such, are really out of the area of our expertise. We can, however, guide you to some sources for information and care of your plants. George A. Elbert has an excellent description of the different species in "Prodigal Polysicas' Return" and Lynn McKamey writes about their "Care and Culture"—both on the Raphnis Gardens web site. Botany.com also has information about caring for and propagating them.
More Non-Natives Questions
Removing invasive Dichelostemma firecracker plant from Austin
April 12, 2012 - We have dichelostemma firecracker plant & cannot kill it. We need help in getting rid of this plant. Spent another 3 hours digging up corms this afternoon. It is invading our backyard & want it kil...
view the full question and answer
Non-native Genista racemosa from Houston
June 17, 2012 - Read your info on Genista Racemosa. Doesn't address my problem of it not blooming this year. It's in full sun and growing well, about 30" tall & round. Bloomed last year. We're feeding with ba...
view the full question and answer
Care of non-native calla lilies
July 15, 2005 - How should I protect my calla lilies during the winter? If it helps you any, I live in South Carolina. And also will too much water hurt them? We have had massive amounts of rain.
view the full question and answer
Problems with non-native nectarine in Gilbertsville PA
November 20, 2009 - I live in southeastern Pennsylvania. I have a mature nectarine tree maybe 14 years old. It has a greenish grey spotting on the trunk and branches, the fruit always turns into the brown mummies and f...
view the full question and answer
California plants poisonous to dogs from Sacramento
July 01, 2012 - Found dodonea viscosa purple. Is it poisonous to dogs? Also Gold Star Potentilla.
Going drought tolerant and need small trees, shrubs and plants not poisonous to dogs for sun and partial sun.
view the full question and answer
 |
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. Mr. Smarty Plants wants you to be his Facebook friend. Click the Facebook icon to add yourself to Mr. Smarty Plants list of friends. |
