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Bright, indirect light. Adapt to light shade but not deep shade - leaf drop is the warning sign for too little light. Variegated forms need higher light to maintain their coloring.Light
Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged. Water when the top inch feels dry, using room-temperature water. Drain off any excess from the saucer. Root rot from overwatering is the main threat.Water
high humidity (60-80%. Group your plants together, set them on a pebble tray with water, or run a humidifier nearby) of 60-70% is ideal. Low humidity causes brown leaf edges and leaf drop. Mist regularly, use a pebble tray, or run a humidifier.Humidity
59-81°F (15-27°C), with a minimum of 50°F (10°C). Cold drafts cause rapid decline. Keep away from air conditioning vents.Temperature
moderateDifficulty
Polyscias balfouriana (Variegated Balfour Aralia)

Variegated Balfour Aralia

Polyscias balfouriana

Moderate

Balfour Aralia gets its 'Dinner Plate' nickname honestly — the round, leathery leaves are 1–2 inches across and arranged on upright stems in a way that does, in fact, look like a tiny stack of dishes. The variegated form adds cream-colored margins to that already distinctive look, making it one of the more elegantly patterned aralias you can grow. Your plant needs warmth, high humidity, and consistent care — it's a bit dramatic about temperature swings and dry air, so treat it like the tropical it is.

Polyscias balfouriana (Variegated Balfour Aralia)
Vengolis, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Polyscias balfouriana (Variegated Balfour Aralia)
Vengolis, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Care Guide

How to grow Variegated Balfour Aralia

Light

Bright, indirect light.

Water

Keep soil consistently moist but not waterlogged.

Humidity

60-80%

Temperature

59-81°F

Soil

Light, well-draining potting mix rich

Propagation

Stem tip cuttings taken in spring or summer.

Common Problems

Mealybugs, scale, spider mites, and

Did You Know

Fun Facts

Balfour Aralia is notorious for leaf drop when moved — it genuinely hates change. Even rotating the pot can trigger a sulky shed of leaves, so find a good spot and leave it there.

Pet Safety

Toxic to pets

Toxic to pets and mildly toxic to humans (ASPCA confirmed). Contains saponins throughout the plant - ingestion causes swelling and burning in the mouth and throat, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain. Keep out of reach of children and animals.

Sources

  1. Aralia balfouriana Care - Home Plants Guide (opens in new tab)Reference
  2. Aralia balfouriana Care — Home Plants Guide (opens in new tab)Reference
  3. Balfour Aralia - Poisonous Plant for Pets (opens in new tab)Reference
  4. Balfour Aralia Care Guide - Houseplant 411 (opens in new tab)Reference
  5. Balfour Aralia Care Guide — Houseplant 411 (opens in new tab)Reference
  6. Balfour Aralia — Poisonous Plant for Pets (opens in new tab)Reference
  7. Polyscias balfouriana - NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)University Extension
  8. Polyscias balfouriana — NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)University Extension
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