This week’s plant profile is the Polyscias scutellaria ‘Fabian Aralia Stump’…
There’s something so peaceful and relaxing about having plants inside your home. I love the look of plants tucked into the corners of a room, displayed on coffee tables and kitchen counters, and gracing bathroom vanities.
Plants help a room feel grounded.
I especially love unique plants. Plants that act as conversation starters, and not something you see everywhere you go.
I’m always on the look-out for unique plants, and with this new series on my blog, I’ll share my latest finds with you. Here’s the latest find…
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Polyscias scutellaria ‘Fabian Aralia Stump’
I was drawn to this plant because of its stump and how it looks like a miniature tree. I think this plant stands out among others because of its shape and form. 
About the Plant
The Fabian Aralia Stump has an upright columnar form. The truck is thick and woody. The leaves are dark glossy green in an interesting shape and deep veining.
This plant grows to around 3- to 4-feet tall, which is why it’s called a ‘stump’.
This plant is easy-to-grow and is low maintenance. It prefers bright, direct sunshine, but can also grow in indirect light. As a tropical plant, it prefers a warm environment – 70-degrees Fahrenheit is ideal. If the temperatures are too low, the leaves will drop. The more sunshine and warmth this plant can get, the better it will grow.
The root system for this plant is quite small, so it only needs a minimal amount of water. Water the plant when the top one-half of the soil is dry. Allow the water to run through the drain holes, as too much water can also cause the leaves to drop.
This plant will need to be repotted when you can see roots at the top of the soil. Replant in a slightly larger pot.
Leaves will grow on the trunk of the plant. Make sure to snip them off to keep the overall shape of the plant. If you leave the leaves on the trunk, the plant will give more energy to those leaves and won’t grow as tall.
This plant is native to India, South America, and the Polynesia islands.
Fabian Aralia is considered a toxic plant for pets and children.
Why I Love It
I love that this plant looks like a small tree in my home – sort of like a bonsai tree. The glossy leaves shine when the sun reaches them, and I think that makes the plant look even more interesting. The texture of the trunk and the deep veins in the leaves also add an interesting texture to my houseplant collection.
I’d love to build a little treehouse for this plant – I think that would look awesome and would make people smile.
Where to Buy
You can purchase this plant online on American Plants for $39.00 in a 6″ pot.
If you have more suggestions for unique or unusual plants, please leave a comment below.
Click Houseplant Visual Index for a visual list of all my recommended houseplants.
