Ming Aralia: A Unique Indoor Tree

Are you looking for an alternative to palm or ficus trees to grow indoors? Are you ready for a unique alternative to the usual indoor trees? Ming aralia is the perfect plant for you.

Ming aralia showcases fine, lacy leaves.

Ming aralia, or Polyscias fruticosa boasts many finely lobed, compound leaves that have a lacy and elegant look. The plant also has a very attractive woody trunk that is revealed as the plant grows older. Ming aralia can be maintained as a bonsai or grown into a three foot tree.

Heat and Humidity

Originally from tropical Southeast Asia this plant likes plenty of heat and humidity. The plant will not thrive when exposed to temperatures less than 60 degrees. You can mist the plant in the morning to provide the humidity it needs. Alternatively, place a tray filled with pebbles and a few inches of water near the plant to increase humidity.

Light

The Ming aralia is very forgiving when it comes to light. It will grow faster when exposed to bright light, but it will thrive low light conditions as well. The plant may experience some shock if you change light levels abruptly. If you are going to move the plant to a new location, do it gradually for a few hours at a time.

 Watch Out For Root Rot

Ming Aralia is very susceptible to root rot. Only water the plant when the potting medium is dry about half way down. Plants that are located in low light conditions will not need water as often as plants exposed to bright light. Add extra perlite to the potting medium to encourage quick drainage.

Feeding

You can use a diluted, evenly balanced fertilizer on the plant during the summer growing months. Ming aralia does not require a lot of feeding, but a little bit once a month during the growing season will keep it looking healthy and full.

Leaf Drop

One downside to the Ming aralia is that it can be messy. Some leaf drop is normal and you can prevent some leaf drop by pruning back regularly. Pruning the lowest branches will reduce leaf drop. Pinching off the growing tips of the branches will encourage a bushier, leafier plant.

If the plant begins to drop a lot of leaves suddenly, it may be stressed. Make sure you pot is drying out between watering. You may also have to provide your plant with more light or warmer temperatures.

Repotting

You do not need to repot ming aralia very often. It prefers to be pot bound. Use a container only slight large than the one it was in.  These trees can also be top heavy. Keep that in mind when choosing a container.

A Distinctive Plant

If you are looking for an attractive and distinctive floor plant, Ming aralia is the perfect fit. It will be a treasured addition to any interior landscape. Skip the standards and try something new! All you need is a warm spot and a well draining container.

Have you used a Ming aralia in your interior landscape? What problems did you have when caring for it?

Sources

“Aralia Plant.” Houseplant411.com.
“Ming Aralia Plant Care.” Guide to Houseplants.
Image by Forest and Kim Starr