This is another beautiful Balfouriana Aralia. Variegated white and green leaves cover it's thin woody canes. These plants finish at about 6 feet tall and come in a 14 inch pot.
The meters below indicate a range of light and tolerance to drought. The ranges are indicated by the little light bulbs and the small water drops.
Mites should be primarily controlled with predator mites. Neoseiulus californicus,(Spical, Spical Plus, Californiline) and Phytoseiulus persimilis,(Spidex, Bio Persimilis, Phytoline) are two excellent choices for spider mite control. If a mite infestation is exceptionally bad, prior to the release of predator mites, spray the plant with water or horticultural oil. Both will provide some knockdown control of spider mites and will not leave a toxic residue that may effect predator mites. Miticides registered for interior use and compatible with predator mites include Sultan, Shuttle O and Floramite SC. Mite damage on the variegated aralia is similar to that on the lemon lime aralia seen in the link below.
Mealybugs can be removed with a systemic insecticide drench and hand cleaning. If pesticides are not an option, try horticultural oil directly sprayed onto the insects. A second and third treatment, if using oils, will be necessary. Space out the sprays at 3 week intervals to break up the mealybug life cycle.
Aphids and Echinothrips can be controlled with the same treatment as mealybugs.
Edema is a condition where a plant is taking up water faster than it can transpire causing leaf cells to rupture. Balfouriana 'Variegated' aralias have less of a problem with edema than other aralia varieties. Edema can be controlled by varying the amount of water the plant has available. Basically, don't provide excess water. In the nursery, edema problems can be difficult to prevent during the rainy season. Don't worry, it does not spread, and it won't hurt the plant in any way.
To recuperate an Aralia that has lost too many leaves, trim each small stem about 2 inches from the woody cane, fertilize and place in a higher light environment.
Aralia Balfouriana 'Lemon Lime'
Aralia Balfouriana Variegated
Aralia Curly Top