Overview
Polyscias stuhlmannii Harms var. inarticulata Tennant is a houseplant that originates from Africa. It is a member of the Araliaceae family and is also known as the "Articulated Aralia" or "Jointed Aralia".
Appearance
The Polyscias stuhlmannii Harms var. inarticulata Tennant typically grows up to three feet tall and is known for its long, slender stems with small leaves that grow in clusters. The leaves are dark-green, glossy, and typically measure 2-4 inches long and 1-2 inches wide. The plant occasionally produces small white flowers, but it is mainly grown for its foliage.
Uses
This plant is mainly used as an ornamental houseplant because of its unique appearance. It is great for adding style to a room and can also be used as a focal point in shopping centers, offices, and other commercial spaces. The Polyscias stuhlmannii Harms var. inarticulata Tennant can be grown as an indoor plant or outdoors in areas that are warm enough.
Some gardeners consider this plant to be a little finicky and require specific growing conditions to thrive. However, with the right environment, it can make an excellent addition to any home or garden.
Light Requirements
The Polyscias stuhlmannii Harms var. inarticulata Tennant plant prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight may scorch the leaves, while too little light can result in slow growth and leggy stems. Placing the plant near a bright, east-facing window is an ideal spot for this plant.
Temperature Requirements
The Polyscias stuhlmannii Harms var. inarticulata Tennant plant thrives in warm temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C). Avoid exposing the plant to temperatures below 55°F (13°C) or above 90°F (32°C), as these extremes can cause damage to the leaves and stems.
Soil Requirements
This plant type prefers well-draining soil that is slightly acidic, with a pH range between 6.0-6.5. A soil mix that contains peat moss, perlite, and sand is ideal for this plant to thrive. It's essential to avoid overwatering the plant, as it can lead to root rot and other fungal diseases. Therefore, ensure the soil is moist but not soggy.
Cultivation methods
Polyscias stuhlmannii Harms var. inarticulata Tennant is a tropical plant that requires warm and humid conditions to thrive. It should be grown in well-draining soil, and the pot should have good drainage. The plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight and should be protected from direct sunlight, which could burn its leaves.
The plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or seeds. Stem cuttings should be taken from a healthy plant, and the cutting should be dipped in rooting hormone before planting. Seeds should be sown in a mixture of peat moss and perlite, and the soil should be kept moist until the seeds germinate.
Watering needs
The plant should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry. It is essential to avoid over-watering because the plant is susceptible to root rot. During the growing season, the plant may require more frequent watering, and in winter, the frequency can be reduced. It is also crucial to avoid getting water on the leaves, as this can lead to fungal infections.
Fertilization
The plant should be fertilized every month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. It is essential to follow the manufacturer's instructions and avoid overfertilizing, as this can lead to nutrient burn. During the winter, the plant can be fertilized every two to three months.
Pruning
Pruning helps to keep the plant compact and promote branching. The best time to prune is in the early spring before new growth emerges. It is essential to use clean pruning tools to avoid introducing infections into the plant. Pruning should be done selectively, and only stems that are damaged or crossing should be removed. The plant can also be pinched back to encourage branching.
Propagation of Polyscias stuhlmannii Harms var. inarticulata Tennant
There are several methods of propagating Polyscias stuhlmannii Harms var. inarticulata Tennant, including:
1. Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are the most common method of propagating Polyscias stuhlmannii Harms var. inarticulata Tennant. Cuttings should be taken from the tip of the stem and should be at least 8-10 cm long. Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting and dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Plant the cutting in a pot filled with a well-draining potting mix and cover with a plastic bag or plastic wrap to create a humid environment. Keep the soil moist and place the pot in a warm, bright location but away from direct sunlight. Rooting should occur within 4-6 weeks.
2. Air Layering
Air layering is another method of propagating Polyscias stuhlmannii Harms var. inarticulata Tennant. This method involves making a cut approximately 1/3 of the way through a stem and then applying rooting hormone to the cut area. The cut is then wrapped in moist sphagnum moss and covered with plastic wrap. Roots should form within 4-6 weeks, at which point the rooted section can be cut from the parent plant and potted.
3. Seed Propagation
While seed propagation is possible for Polyscias stuhlmannii Harms var. inarticulata Tennant, it is not commonly used as it can be difficult and unpredictable. However, if you choose to propagate through seed, the seeds should be collected from ripe fruit and sown in a potting mix. Keep the soil moist and in a warm location, but away from direct sunlight. Germination may take several weeks.
Overall, the easiest and most common method of propagating Polyscias stuhlmannii Harms var. inarticulata Tennant is through stem cuttings.
Disease Management
Polyscias stuhlmannii Harms var. inarticulata Tennant is vulnerable to various fungal and bacterial infections. Some of the common diseases that might affect the plant are:
- Leaf spot disease: This is caused by a fungus that thrives in warm, damp, and humid conditions. It results in the development of dark brown or black spots on the leaves that may spread and merge with each other.
- Root rot disease: This is caused by a fungus that lives in moist soil. It results in the roots becoming brown, soft, and mushy, eventually leading to plant death.
- Anthracnose: This is a fungal disease that causes a black lesion to form on the leaf tissue.
To manage these diseases, it is necessary to maintain proper hygiene, such as keeping the plant dry and watering at its base, preventing the leaves from getting wet, and avoiding overwatering. Regularly pruning the infected parts of the plant is also an effective method for managing the spread of infection. Another strategy is applying a fungicide to the plant, which can help prevent the spread of the disease.
Pest Management
Polyscias stuhlmannii Harms var. inarticulata Tennant is prone to attack from various pests. Some common pests that might affect the plant are:
- Spider mites: These are tiny pests that feed on the sap of the leaves, causing yellowing, spotting, and even leaf loss. They can be managed by regularly wiping the leaves with a damp cloth or using insecticidal soaps and oils.
- Mealybugs: These pests appear as white and waxy masses on the leaves and stems of the plant, secreting a sticky substance that can lead to the development of mold. They can be managed by using a cotton swab dipped in alcohol to remove them manually or spraying the plant with appropriate insecticides.
- Scale insects: These pests appear as small, dark, and circular bumps on the plant's stem and leaves, causing the plant to have a stunted growth. They can be managed by manually removing them or spraying the plant with an insecticide.
Proper care, such as maintaining a clean environment, removing any affected plant parts, and routine inspections of the plant, can help prevent infestations. If an infestation occurs, a combination of manual removal and insecticide application can be the best strategy for management.
