Polyscias guilfoylei aka Geranium Leaf Aralia

Taxonomy

Polyscias guilfoylei, also known as the geranium aralia or wild coffee, is a tender, evergreen shrub native to the paleotropics and neotropics. It is not closely related to true coffee plants. This slow-growing plant can reach heights of up to 24 ft (7.3 m) with erect branches. Its long, 1-pinnate leaves are opposite and commonly variegated with white or pale yellow margins, although they can also be entirely dark green. The insignificant green umbels of flowers may be followed by black berries. The cultivar 'Victoriae' is a recipient of the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit and is characterized by strongly variegated, jagged leaves in white and green. However, Polyscias guilfoylei does not tolerate temperatures below 15 °C (59 °F) and should be grown under glass in temperate zones. As a houseplant or in a warm conservatory, the geranium aralia is a tropical plant native to southeast Asia. It has rounded, irregularly-margined, glossy dark green leaflets that form pinnate leaves. If left unpruned, it can grow up to 6-8 feet tall. The leaves may also be variegated with white or yellow margins, or they can be all green. While flowering is rare in a houseplant setting, the plant requires moist, well-drained, loamy acidic potting soil and bright indirect lighting. It can tolerate morning sun but should be watered deeply and thoroughly after allowing the soil to partially dry between waterings. Additionally, it can be cultivated as a bonsai specimen.

Common names

Geranium Leaf Aralia, Geranium Aralia, Coffeetree

How to care for Geranium Leaf Aralia

Difficulty

Geranium Leaf Aralia presents a moderate level of care, which allows plant enthusiasts with some experience to expand their skills and knowledge.

Water

Geranium Leaf Aralia should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Geranium Leaf Aralia loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Geranium Leaf Aralia prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Toxicity

Geranium Leaf Aralia is poisonous if ingested. We suggest keeping this plant out of reach if you have children, cats, or dogs in the home.

Humidity

No additional humidity is required for the Geranium Leaf Aralia. Plants take in most of their water through their roots, not their leaves, therefore, watering the soil is the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants.

Fertilizer

The growth rate of Geranium Leaf Aralia is slow and it doesn't necessitate additional fertilizing. By changing the soil in its pot annually, the plant should be provided with adequate nutrition. It is crucial to keep in mind that plants derive their energy from the sun, not fertilizers.

Growth-pattern

Geranium Leaf Aralia grows vertically and new growth emerges from the top of the plant.

Region of origin

Geranium Leaf Aralia’s native range is Pacific Islands.


More info:
Wikipedia