Give your Polyscias (Dinner Plate Aralia) the tailored care they need with our Professional Polyscias Potting Mix, expertly crafted in the UK. Specially formulated with perlite, coconut coir, and nutrient-rich worm castings, this potting mix is designed to provide fast drainage while reducing the common risks of root and trunk rot. Perfect for these unique and elegant indoor plants, this mix helps ensure healthy, vibrant growth.
Polyscias fruticosa 'Fabian' (Ming Aralia or 'Fabian Polyscias')
Polyscias scutellaria (Balfour Aralia)
Polyscias guilfoylei (Variegated Aralia)
Polyscias balfouriana (Shield Aralia)
Polyscias hawaiiana (Hawaiian Aralia)
Polyscias crispata (Parsley Aralia)
Polyscias filicifolia (Fernleaf Aralia)
Polyscias pinnata (Feather Aralia)
Don't know the size of your new pot yet? Simply measure the pot's top diameter to find the perfect amount of compost you'll need for repotting.
| Size (Litres) | Ideal for... |
| 1L | 13cm pots or smaller |
| 5L | 14cm - 20cm pots |
| 10L | 21cm - 28cm pots |
| 15L | 29cm - 35cm pots |
| 25L | 36cm pots or larger, or for multiple repottings! |
We recommend to repot this houseplant once every two years due to their invasive root system, using a fresh batch of potting mix with the next sized pot. The only time that you may need to repot more often is if your plant is suffering from root rot. (Read the next question)
Yes! So, it's advised to repot your plant as soon as symptoms of root rot arises. Symptoms include rapidly yellowing leaves, browned new leaves that don't emerge successfully, and potential soil mould. Polyscias grown more than 1.5m from a window are most likely to develop root rot. We recommend to take the plant from the pot and scan the outer edge of the potting mix. Root rot will look like brown, flat/deflated and can easily be pulled off from the soil (with little difficulty). There could be a slight 'earthy' smell to the soil, too. Healthy roots will be a cream, light-brown colour and will feel plump when lightly pinched. Follow the next steps to repotting your root rotted Dinner Plate Aralia with one of the options;
Option 1: If more less than 20% of the roots have rotten, remove the dead roots with scissors and replant it back into its original pot, using fresh new this compost.
Option 2: If roughly between 20% - 100% of the roots have rotten, We recommend removing the dead roots and repot into a smaller pot. One that is around 3-5cm smaller in diameter is best, along with using this potting mix. Provide a bright, sunless windowsill and ensure the soil dries out in between waters going forward to aid recovery (usually around three months).
Yes! Repotting this houseplant during the colder months of the year is safe practice & doesn't increase the likelihood of transplant shock or root rot (compared to transplanting in spring or summer).
As we mention in our Polyscias care article, a loss of leaves is one of two reasons. Firstly, pests could be an issue (most notably Spider Mites), whereas the second issue is most likely to do with not enough light. Ensure your Polyscias is kept within 1.5m of a window (preferably in a windowsill) to alleviate and stop the sudden yellowing and drop of its foliage.
We always recommend watering your houseplant around 12 hours before potting so that the plant is hydrated and strong enough for its repot. If you forget to water beforehand, it's not the end of the world as long as you're very gentle with the root system. It's also advised to wait two days before giving the plant another water again, just so it gives enough time for your plant to settle into its new home.
It's best to keep the lid of the potting mix slightly ajar by around 20% to help it have aeration while in storage. The best place to store the potting mix is in a cool, dark shelf or cabinet until you need it next.
If you need any help at all, please feel free to reach out to us via the 'Contact Me' section on this website. Our professional houseplant advisor (THE HOUSEPLANT DOCTOR™) will directly respond to your questions quickly so you feel 100% confident about the next steps with your plant - regardless if they're healthy or need a helping-hand! That's the ukhouseplants difference. 🪴
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Professional repotting of Polyscias houseplants requires a pest-free, anti-fungus gnat professional potting mix that balances drainage and moisture retention to protect sensitive roots, with expert advice on how to repot Polyscias, when to repot aralia plants, how often to repot indoor houseplants, gently loosening the root ball, removing compacted or waterlogged soil, trimming damaged roots, selecting breathable pots with drainage, and reducing transplant shock, while monitoring root rot symptoms including curling leaves, yellowed leaves, sudden leaf drop, soft stems, wilting growth, blackened or dying roots, sour-smelling compost, ensuring this specialist repotting mix avoids and stops leaf loss, supports recovery from dormancy, and future-proofs growth, suitable for common indoor houseplants prone to root issues such as Polyscias fruticosa (Ming Aralia), Polyscias scutellaria (Balfour Aralia), Polyscias guilfoylei (Variegated Aralia), all popular indoor foliage plants, with added benefits of fungus-gnat control, stable moisture levels, healthy root regeneration, improved indoor resilience, and long-term plant health.