Ming Aralia
Water on a regular basis, and fertilize in spring, summer and autumn.
Ming Aralia
More indoor trees, please! Ming Aralia makes a splash with its lace-like foliage and statuesque form. This very adaptable houseplant looks fabulous in almost any place you seem fit as long as you keep up with watering the soil! They are perfect trees inside your home as they are slow-growing and rarely outgrow their space. Ming Aralia, and all of its fern-like foliage, should be kept in temperatures between 65-80°F for them to grow comfortably. It is recommended to keep the humidity around these plants over 50% as they can be slightly temperamental when the air becomes too dry for their liking.
Light
Ming Aralia loves bright sunny days and will grow to epic proportions when they receive over 6 hours of bright indirect sunlight each day. They will grow perfectly fine with lower light but may grow slower and produce less new growth. Set them where they receive gentle morning light, but keep them away from the intense afternoon direct sunlight!
Water
Polyscias fruticosa likes moist soil but does not tolerate wet soil. Let the water dry from the soil to the halfway down the grow pot. Water your aralia immediately after you have made this discovery, let the excess water drain, and place the plant back into its cover pot or saucer. Consistently moist soil is the key to successfully growing a Ming Aralia!
Soil
Potting soil rich in nutrients and organic matter but still can drain well is the perfect growing medium for your Ming Aralia. Most coco coir or peat-based potting soil mixes will be adequate but make sure that they do not contain water-retentive crystals as they can cause the soil to stay moist, causing root rot. If you are feeling adventurous, try creating your own potting soil!
Temperature
Ming Aralia needs temperatures to remain between 65-80℉ all year round to retain good health! When the temperatures fall below 60°F, they will begin to drop their leaves. Leaf-drop can happen quickly, so keep them in the warmest spot you have!
Humidity
High humidity is a must-have for Polyscias fruticosa. The leaves may begin to curl, or the edges will turn brown and fall off if they do not receive enough humidity. Using a humidifier or a pebble tray with water can help give these moisture-loving plants the extra dampness they crave. Learn how to increase the moisture in the air around your indoor plants!
Fertilizer
Provide your Ming Aralia with a complete balanced fertilizer every 3-4 weeks during the growing season. Dilute the fertilizer the 1/4 the recommended strength. Alternatively, you can top dress the soil with organic compost or slow-release fertilizer in the spring or early summer. It is okay to additionally use a 1/4 strength diluted complete liquid fertilizer if you have added compost or slow-release fertilizer in the spring.
Growth Rate
Ming Aralias are slow-growing indoor plants. If properly cared for and exposed to consistent bright indirect light! They can reach up to 6’+ indoors, but it will take years to reach this height!
Pet Friend or Foe
Ming Aralias are toxic to pets! Foe
Pro Tips
- Rotate your aralia ¼-turn each week to keep the plant full and symmetrical.
- Keep the soil loose and your cover pots drained of excess water to help prevent unpleasant odors and root rot.
- Keep the plant and the soil warm throughout the year to avoid leaf drop!
- Polyscias fruticosa can be a bit of a challenging indoor plant. If you notice it beginning to decline, your first move is to monitor the humidity and moisture content in the soil!
- Ming Aralias make great bonsai, as their leaves are small and are trained fairly easily!
Ming Aralia
This exquisite shrub (or dwarf tree) should be used more often, since its natural bonsai look works very well with tropical landscaping – or any other style, for that matter.
Ming grows upright with multiple side branches that create a layered appearance. The occasional exposure of bare branches only adds to the plant’s beauty.
Each one is unique. The delicate, lacy leaves cover branches that grow in odd formations like “heads” of foliage.
This plant contains toxins that can cause skin irritations – wear gloves when handling, if you have sensitive skin. Keep away from munching pets who can develop minor illness if they ingest stems or leaves.
Plant specs
This shrub is a moderate grower that needs full to partial shade (morning sun only).
It prefers Zone 10 temps but has been known to grow in Zone 9B, even coming back after a winter dieback. Plant in an area protected from wind.
These plants can grow to about 15 feet but usually top out (or can be trimmed) around 8 feet.
Plant care
Add a combination of top soil and composted cow manure to the hole when you plant.
Trimming isn’t necessary but you can cut tips of branches in spring to encourage new “heads” of foliage.
Sometimes branches get heavy and floppy, especially when wet during rainy season. You can stake them up or trim the plant so the branches don’t droop too far down.
Water on a regular basis, and fertilize in spring, summer and autumn.
Plant spacing
Plant 3 to 4 feet apart. Don’t plant too close to another large shrub (such as variegated ginger) that may overwhelm it in size and impact.
Come out from the house 2-1/2 to 3 feet, and away from walks and drives 3 to 4 feet to allow for future growth.
This aralia is an excellent container plant, often grown indoors in colder climates. If you do grow it indoors, be sure to mist it regularly to make up for lack of humidity.
Landscape uses for ming aralia
- entryway feature
- anchor plant for an Asian garden
- silhouette plant for a blank wall
- backdrop for small plants
- architectural accent
- container plant for shady porch, deck, patio or lanai
GOOD SNOWBIRD PLANT? YES