aralia

When watering Aralia (Eleutherococcus sieboldianus 'Variegatus'), drench the soil thoroughly, but do not allow the soil to become soggy or waterlogged. After the initial watering, allow the potting mix to dry out slightly in between being watered again. Water about once a week, or when the top 1-2 inches of soil is dry. If you have a moisture meter, use this to determine when to water; these plants prefer soil with a moisture content of about 40-50%. Avoid over-watering, as this can cause root-rot and fungal diseases.

Aralia (Eleutherococcus sieboldianus 'Variegatus') plants require bright, indirect sunlight for optimal growth and health. They should be placed near a window that receives several hours of bright, indirect light each day. Furthermore, this plant should not be placed in direct sunlight as the bright rays can cause damage to its foliage. The exact amount of sunlight a variegated aralia enjoys depends on the variety and on the amount of direct light it receives throughout the day. Generally, 4 to 8 hours of bright, indirect light is sufficient for it to thrive and stay healthy. For best results, it is advisable to rotate the pot every few weeks to ensure that all sides of the plant receive equal amounts of sunlight.

Pruning should be done during the growing season for Aralia (Eleutherococcus sieboldianus 'Variegatus') to encourage regrowth and more full foliage. Pruning should be done once or twice a year, done lightly if you are just tidying up the bottom branches, or more heavily if the plant needs to be significantly reshaped. The best time to prune Aralia is after it is finished flowering in late spring. Prune the plant back by a third, removing any damaged or dead branches. This will keep the plant healthy and encourage more vigorous growth.