Ming Aralia

Ming Aralia Care

Polyscias fruticosa

What is the plant

If you live in a small apartment but at the same time miss green bushes or trees, then Ming Aralia is a perfect candidate! This small tree will quickly adapt to room temperature and cherish your eyes every day.

This perennial shrub is native to India, other Asian countries, and Polynesia. ‘Polyscias’ in Greek means ‘many’ and ‘shades,’ hence its heavy foliage. Aralia’s leaves are attractive and compound, so there are about seven leaves, and they are of dark green colors. They can grow from 3 to 6 ft (1-2 m), so they won’t take up a lot of space and add some exciting plot twists to your apartment.

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Humidity

High

Lighting

Part Sun

Temperature

18°C - 21°C

Hardiness zone

11a - 12b

Difficulty

Medium

How to Care for the Plant

Water
It needs proper watering, but avoid overwatering in the process. Please pay attention to the soil; it needs to be moist, not soggy, and let it dry out between the waterings.
Pruning
This shrub won’t grow very tall. But if you want to keep it broad and short, prune it every spring.
Fertilizer
During the formative period, it needs liquid fertilizer monthly and less later. But if you have noticed that leaves are falling or look bleak, then it’s time to feed them with fertilizer.

Disease diagnosis

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Sunlight
Bright indirect sunlight is the best, and it is tolerant to a little bit of shade.
Soil
Loamy, rich, and well-draining.
Propagation
Cutting is the easiest way to propagate Ming Aralia. So just cut the mother plant, and plant the cut part in soggy soil.

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Temperature
Since this plant is native to Southwest Asia, it prefers warmth, so 65-85F (18-29C) is the most suitable temperature range.
Container
It would help if you had a pot slightly larger than the plant. It likes to be pot-bound.
Fun fact
In many Asian countries, this plant is appreciated for its medical qualities and is used in some national cuisines. For instance, in Thailand, there is a dish called ‘lep khrut,’ in which this plant, among others, is eaten with spicy sauce.