Native Plants
![](../_images/smarty_plants.gif)
Q. Who is Mr. Smarty Plants?
A: There are those who suspect Wildflower Center volunteers are the culpable and capable culprits. Yet, others think staff members play some, albeit small, role. You can torture us with your plant questions, but we will never reveal the Green Guru's secret identity.
Did you know you can access the Native Plant Information Network with your web-enabled smartphone?
Ask Mr. Smarty Plants is a free service provided by the staff and volunteers at the Lady Bird Johnson Wildflower Center.
![](../_images/mr_smarty_plants_logo_web_200w.jpg)
rate this answer
![](../_images/star_00.gif)
Friday - January 04, 2008
From: McAllen, TX
Region: Southwest
Topic: Non-Natives
Title: Care of the non-native Aralias (Genus Polyscias)
Answered by: Nan Hampton
QUESTION:
Today I purchased a POLYSCIAS common name "Aralia" I was told that can be happy inside, little light. Please could you inform me how to take care: feeding, fertilizing, watering needs? Does it bloom? I love it, but they did not know much at the nursery. I live in McAllen, Texas (Rio Grande Valley)ANSWER:
Our focus and expertise here at the Wildflower Center is with plants native to North America. The Aralias (Genus Polyscias) are native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands and, as such, are really out of the area of our expertise. We can, however, guide you to some sources for information and care of your plants. George A. Elbert has an excellent description of the different species in "Prodigal Polysicas' Return" and Lynn McKamey writes about their "Care and Culture"—both on the Raphnis Gardens web site. Botany.com also has information about caring for and propagating them.
More Non-Natives Questions
Abutilon or Podocarpus Toxic to Dogs?
March 17, 2016 - Are either of these plants toxic to dogs? Flowering maple or the Podocarpus henkelii shrub.
view the full question and answer
Planting distance for non-native crepe myrtles in San Antonio
June 23, 2009 - I just purchased 7 katawba crepe myrtles and would like to know how far apart I need to space them. I am placing down on the right side of my front yard. They are in 5 gallon containers and about 5 - ...
view the full question and answer
Will non-native gazania bloom in winter?
August 03, 2010 - Dear Mr. Smarty Plants,
I am quite familiar with Gazania and l-o-v-e it as a summer plant. My question is: while I know it may/will survive the winters here, will it actually be blooming during the ...
view the full question and answer
Searching for Acalypha amentacea ssp. wilkesiana (copperleaf)
April 06, 2015 - Some species of Acalypha are natives, but the one I'm looking for is Copper Plant or Acalypha amentacea/wilkesiana. Can you give me a source where I can order seed? When I was kid working at a local ...
view the full question and answer
Japanese Wineberry in Maryland
July 16, 2014 - Hello, we were at Cunningham Falls in Maryland and I can not identify this plant. If you could I would greatly appreciate it, thank you. It looks like a raspberry but the berries are inside small leav...
view the full question and answer
Support the Wildflower Center by Donating Online or Becoming a Member today. |