Ming Aralia
Polyscias fruticosaUSDA | Grow Zone
10-12Outdoors all year in zones 10 to 12. Anywhere colder, keep it as a houseplant. Protect it below 40°F.
- Light
- Bright, indirect
- Water
- When top inch is dry
- Humidity
- 50-60%
- Temperature
- 65-80°F (18-27°C)
- Difficulty
- Intermediate
- Growth
- Moderate
- Mature size
- 4-6 ft tall, 2-3 ft wide
- Pets
- Mildly toxic to pets
Ming Aralia, or Polyscias fruticosa, is a striking tropical plant known for its lush foliage and unique branching structure. Native to tropical regions, it adds a touch of exotic beauty to indoor spaces, making it a popular choice among plant enthusiasts.
Ask Vesper about Ming Aralia
Ideal temperature
65-80°F is where it grows fastest. Below 40°F cold damage starts.
Spacing and harvest
- Mature size
- 4-6 ft tall, 2-3 ft wide
- Plant apart
- 12-24 in
- Frost
- Tender: no frost
Everything it needs
9 essentials at a glance
Watering
Ming Aralia prefers to be kept evenly moist, watering when the top inch of soil feels dry.
During the growing season (spring and summer), water more frequently, about once a week, ensuring excess water drains away. In fall and winter, reduce watering to every 10-14 days. Signs of over-watering include yellowing leaves and root rot, while under-watering may cause leaf drop and dry, crispy edges.
Light
This plant thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate partial shade.
Ideally, place it near a window where it receives filtered sunlight for at least 6 hours a day. Avoid direct sunlight, as it can scorch the leaves, and ensure it has some light exposure even in lower light conditions.
Soil
Ming Aralia prefers a well-draining potting mix, ideally a blend of peat, perlite, and pine bark.
The ideal pH range is between 6.0 and 7.0. Ensure the pot has drainage holes to prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot.
Humidity
This plant enjoys higher humidity levels, ideally around 50-60%.
To increase humidity, mist the leaves regularly, use a pebble tray with water, or place a humidifier nearby. Signs of low humidity stress include browning leaf tips and edges.
Temperature
Ming Aralia prefers temperatures between 65-80°F (18-27°C) and is not frost-tolerant.
It can survive in USDA hardiness zones 10-12. Protect it from cold drafts and sudden temperature changes, as it can lead to stress and leaf drop.
Fertilizing
Use a balanced liquid fertilizer with an NPK ratio of 20-20-20 during the growing season, applying every 4-6 weeks.
In fall and winter, reduce feeding to once every 2-3 months. Signs of nutrient deficiency include yellowing leaves, stunted growth, and poor leaf development.
Pruning
Prune Ming Aralia in early spring to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth.
Use clean, sharp pruning shears to remove any dead or leggy stems. Regularly deadhead spent leaves to promote new growth and improve overall appearance.
Repotting
Repot Ming Aralia every 1-2 years or when it becomes root-bound, indicated by roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Choose a pot 1-2 inches larger in diameter. To repot, gently remove the plant from its current pot, loosen any tightly bound roots, and place it in fresh potting mix, watering thoroughly afterward.
Propagation
Ming Aralia can be propagated through stem cuttings.
Take 4-6 inch cuttings from healthy stems, remove the lower leaves, and place them in a pot with moist potting mix. Cover with a plastic bag to maintain humidity and place in indirect light. Roots should develop in 4-6 weeks. The best time to propagate is in spring or early summer.
When it's unhappy
Yellow leaves
Why it happens
Over-watering or poor drainage.
How to fix it
Allow the soil to dry out before watering again and ensure the pot has adequate drainage.
Leaf drop
Why it happens
Sudden temperature changes or low humidity.
How to fix it
Maintain stable temperatures and increase humidity levels around the plant.
Brown leaf tips
Why it happens
Low humidity or under-watering.
How to fix it
Increase humidity through misting or a pebble tray, and ensure regular watering.
Pests (e.g., spider mites, aphids)
Why it happens
Dry conditions or stress.
How to fix it
Regularly inspect the plant, and treat infestations with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Root rot
Why it happens
Over-watering or poor drainage.
How to fix it
Remove the plant from the pot, trim away affected roots, and repot in fresh, dry soil.
Care through the year
Spring
In spring, increase watering frequency as the plant begins to actively grow. Fertilize every 4-6 weeks with a balanced fertilizer to support new growth.
Summer
During summer, ensure the plant receives bright, indirect light and maintain humidity levels. Water regularly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings.
Fall
In fall, gradually reduce watering as the plant's growth slows. Continue to fertilize every 6-8 weeks until late fall, then stop feeding for the winter.
Winter
In winter, keep the plant in a warm location away from drafts. Water less frequently, about every 10-14 days, and maintain humidity to prevent leaf drop.
Toxicity & Safety
Ming Aralia is considered mildly toxic to pets, particularly cats and dogs. Ingestion of the leaves can cause gastrointestinal upset, including vomiting and diarrhea. It is advisable to keep this plant out of reach of children and pets.
Good to know
Why are my Ming Aralia leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves on a Ming Aralia are often a sign of over-watering or poor drainage. Ensure the soil dries out between waterings and check for adequate drainage.
How often should I water my Ming Aralia?
Water your Ming Aralia when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically once a week during the growing season and every 10-14 days in winter.
What light conditions are best for Ming Aralia?
Ming Aralia thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate partial shade. Avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf scorch.
How can I increase humidity for my Ming Aralia?
To increase humidity, mist the leaves regularly, use a pebble tray with water, or place a humidifier nearby to create a more favorable environment.
When is the best time to prune my Ming Aralia?
The best time to prune your Ming Aralia is in early spring, which encourages bushier growth and helps maintain its shape.
How can I propagate my Ming Aralia?
You can propagate Ming Aralia through stem cuttings taken in spring or early summer. Place cuttings in moist potting mix and cover to maintain humidity until roots develop.
What should I do if my Ming Aralia has root rot?
If your Ming Aralia shows signs of root rot, remove it from the pot, trim away affected roots, and repot it in fresh, dry soil to prevent further damage.
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