Geranium aralia (Polyscias guilfoylei)

Also known as: Panax guilfoylei, Aralia guilfoylei, Polyscias crispata

The Fukien Tea Tree, originating from tropical Asia, is a shrub that can reach considerable heights if left unpruned, developing sturdy, spreading branches. This plant is highly adaptable to shaping, making it popular for creating bonsai trees and hedges. Its green foliage occasionally features white or yellow margins.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting Toxicity

Attributes of Geranium aralia

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Shrub

Plant Height

1 m to 3 m

Spread

90 cm to 1.2 m

Leaf Color

Green Yellow White Variegated Gold

Flower Size

Small, less than 1 cm

Flower Color

Yellow Green

Images of Geranium aralia

Quickly Identify Geranium aralia

Compound leaves with 7-9 leaflets, some variegated with white or yellow margins.

Sturdy, woody stems reaching up to 2 inches (5 cm) in diameter, brownish-grey color.

Inconspicuous greenish-white flowers in compact clusters, petals not highly differentiated.

Foliage sensitive to cold, foliage loss below 50 F (10 C), minimal indoor blooming.

Leaflets oval to lanceolate, 2-4 inches (5-10 cm) long, slightly glossy with serrated margins.

Scientific Classification of Geranium aralia

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Carrots, ivies and allies

Family

Ivy

Genus

Aralia

Species

Geranium aralia

Planting and Growing of Geranium aralia

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

4-8 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Terracotta

How to Water Geranium aralia?

For Polyscias guilfoylei, ensure that the soil is thoroughly moist but not waterlogged. The soil should be allowed to dry at the surface before the next watering. Usually, 500ml per watering session suffices, ensuring that the pot drains well.

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What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Geranium aralia?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun

Duration of light: 4 to 6 hours daily

The ideal light condition for Polyscias guilfoylei is partial sunlight, offering 4 to 6 hours of diffused sunlight daily. This range provides the right balance, promoting healthy leaf color and growth.

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What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Geranium aralia?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 75℉

Polyscias guilfoylei, also known as the Geranium Aralia, thrives best within a specific temperature range of 65°F to 75°F. This range ensures optimal growth and leaf development, as it mimics the plant's native tropical environment. Maintaining this temperature helps support robust growth and avoids stress, which can lead to leaf drop and vulnerability to pests.

What Soil is Best for Geranium aralia?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam, Sand soil

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Polyscias guilfoylei thrives in well-draining soil, which prevents root rot by allowing excess water to escape. This promotes strong root development and supports healthy plant growth, as roots have access to necessary moisture and air. This plant flourishes in soil enriched with organic matter, which supplies essential nutrients. Rich soil supports the plant's vibrant foliage by ensuring a steady supply of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium, necessary for photosynthesis and overall plant health. Polyscias guilfoylei can adapt to sandy soils that allow for proper drainage and root aeration. In sandy environments, the plant benefits from enhanced oxygen availability at the root zone, promoting vigorous growth and preventing waterlogging. More About Soil→

How to Fertilize Geranium aralia?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

When fertilizing Polyscias guilfoylei, use a balanced fertilizer formulated for houseplants. For liquid fertilizer, a concentration of 1/4 to 1/2 of the recommended dose is adequate. When using slow-release fertilizers, use at the rate recommended on the label to avoid nutrient overload. More About Fertilizing Techniques→

How to Prune Geranium aralia?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer, Autumn

Begin by identifying branches that appear dead or weak. These branches will often be brown and brittle. Removing them allows better light penetration and air flow for healthier branches. Trim the tips of the branches to maintain the desired shape. Be mindful of the overall symmetry and allow for a pleasing shape. Avoid cutting more than one-third of the plant at once. Collect all the trimmings and dispose of them away from the plant to prevent any potential spread of disease or pests. Composting healthy cuttings is suggested for eco-friendly disposal. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Geranium aralia plant?

Propagate Time: Early spring, Late spring, Early summer

Select healthy cuttings from non-flowering shoots for the best chance of successful propagation. These cuttings should be 4 to 6 inches long to ensure enough energy reserves for root development.

Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone to promote root growth, ensuring better chances of successful propagation.

Insert the prepared cuttings into moist, well-draining soil. Ensure at least half of the cutting is buried to provide support and access to soil nutrients.

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How to Repot Geranium aralia plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 1-2 years

Look for signs such as roots emerging from drainage holes, slow growth, or soil that dries overly fast. These signal that it's time to repot your Polyscias guilfoylei.

Select a pot that's one size larger than the current one with good drainage. This ensures adequate space for root growth and prevents waterlogging, which could lead to root rot.

Opt for a well-draining potting mix that can retain some moisture but also allows excess water to escape. This mix maintains the right moisture balance for healthy root development.

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Toxicity of Geranium aralia

Is Geranium aralia toxic to cat?

The leaves of the geranium aralia (Polyscias guilfoylei) possess mild to moderate toxicity for cats, leading to skin irritation upon contact, and gastrointestinal issues if ingested. If a substantial quantity is consumed, your feline may exhibit symptoms such as loss of appetite and vomiting. Seek advice from your veterinarian for treatment if any of these symptoms appear.

Is Geranium aralia toxic to dog?

Geranium aralia poses a mild toxicity risk to dogs. Ingesting its leaves or stems, or coming into contact with its sap, may lead to irritation in the mouth, skin, or digestive tract. Signs of a serious reaction to geranium aralia include excessive pawing at the mouth, profound thirst, skin itching or blistering, as well as symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and swelling in the face, nose, or throat. It is essential to consult a veterinarian if dogs exhibit severe symptoms or show significant discomfort. Fortunately, geranium aralia poisoning is seldom serious enough to result in permanent injury.

WARNING

The judgment on toxicity and danger is for reference only. We DO NOT GUARANTEE any accuracy of such judgment. Therefore, you SHALL NOT rely on such judgment. It is IMPORTANT TO SEEK PROFESSIONAL ADVICE in advance when necessary.

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