Scopolia Polyscias Plant Care
Polyscias scopoliae (Baill.) Lowry
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
Polyscias scopoliae is a species of plant in the family Araliaceae. It is endemic to New Caledonia.
Every 7–10 days
Bright indirect light
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Scopolia Polyscias?
Plant Scopolia Polyscias in bright indirect light (USDA zones 13b) and water a young shrub every 7–10 days until it is established. It tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C). Fertilize it every 4 months during the growing season.
Where Is the Scopolia Polyscias Native To?
What Is the Scopolia Polyscias?
Scopolia Polyscias (Polyscias scopoliae) belongs to the Araliaceae family within the Polyscias genus. Scopolia Polyscias is native to New Caledonia.
Scopolia Polyscias displays an upright, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 4 ft tall with a spread of approximately 3 ft. Scopolia Polyscias produces small inconspicuous flowers.
Leaf size: approximately 6 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Scopolia Polyscias?
Water a young or newly planted Scopolia Polyscias every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–10 days
Until established; then in dry spells
What Light Does the Scopolia Polyscias Need?
Scopolia Polyscias thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Scopolia Polyscias in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Scopolia Polyscias Prefer?
Polyscias scopoliae tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. Scopolia Polyscias prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Scopolia Polyscias?
Well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. Good drainage is essential for Scopolia Polyscias to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Scopolia Polyscias?
Feed Scopolia Polyscias every 4 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.
Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.
Fertilizing
Every 4 months
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
Where Should You Plant a Scopolia Polyscias?
Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.
Scopolia Polyscias is suited to USDA Zone 13b.
Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.
How Far Apart Should You Plant a Scopolia Polyscias?
Scopolia Polyscias can spread to about 3 ft (0.9 m) and reach about 4 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 3 ft (0.9 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.
Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.
How Do You Prune a Scopolia Polyscias?
Prune Scopolia Polyscias while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.
If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.
How Do You Care for a Scopolia Polyscias in Winter?
Scopolia Polyscias is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.
How Do You Propagate a Scopolia Polyscias?
Scopolia Polyscias can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to balfour aralia plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Scopolia Polyscias Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Scopolia Polyscias, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Scopolia Polyscias?
Scopolia Polyscias is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Scopolia Polyscias Need?
Scopolia Polyscias grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Scopolia Polyscias is native to New Caledonia. In cooler regions, grow Scopolia Polyscias as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 13b
Keep exploring plants
Scopolia Polyscias is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Polyscias genus — compare its care with other Polyscias species on PlantoScan.
Polyscias is part of the Araliaceae plant family — browse all Araliaceae genera and species.
Scopolia Polyscias thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
More Polyscias Species
Other Polyscias species in PlantoScan's care catalogue share similar watering, light, and soil preferences:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Polyscias scopoliae (Baill.) Lowry, family Araliaceae (first published in World Checkl. & Bibliogr. Araliaceae : 298 (2003 publ. 2004)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Scopolia Polyscias, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 13b, calculated from the plant's minimum temperature.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
