Ming Aralia (Polyscias fruticosa)

🌿 The Ming Aralia, scientifically known as Polyscias fruticosa, belongs to the Araliaceae family and originates from the tropical regions of India and Polynesia. In its natural habitat, this plant grows as a small tree or large shrub with delicate, finely divided foliage that creates an elegant, almost bonsai-like appearance indoors. This is an intermediate-level plant that rewards attentive care with stunning architectural beauty. Fun fact: Ming Aralia leaves were traditionally used in Asian herbal medicine, and the plant's name "Ming" references the refined aesthetic of Ming Dynasty art.
FOLIAGE AND GROWTH HABIT
Ming Aralia grows in an upright, branching form that naturally develops a tree-like structure with a woody stem and graceful canopy. The leaves are compound and deeply cut, resembling parsley or fern fronds, with a feathery texture that adds softness to any space. Foliage colour ranges from deep green to dark green with occasional variegated cultivars showing cream or white edges. The leaves have a delicate, papery texture that catches light beautifully and creates interesting shadows.
FLOWER DETAILS
Ming Aralia produces small, inconspicuous white or cream-coloured flowers arranged in umbels, similar to other members of the Araliaceae family. The blooms have a subtle, barely noticeable fragrance and appear rarely when grown indoors. While the flowers themselves aren't particularly showy, they add a charming detail to mature plants and can develop into small dark berries. Indoor flowering is uncommon and typically occurs only on well-established plants receiving optimal care conditions. To encourage flowering, provide consistent bright indirect light, maintain stable temperatures, and allow the plant to mature for several years without excessive pruning.
CARE INSTRUCTIONS
🌞 Light: Bright indirect light for 6-8 hours daily; tolerates partial shade but grows leggy in low light
💧 Water: Water when top 2-3 cm of soil dries out; reduce frequency in winter. Water thoroughly until it drains, bottom watering works well
🌡️ Humidity: Prefers 50-60% humidity; mist regularly or use a humidifier to prevent leaf drop
🪴 Soil: Well-draining potting mix with perlite or orchid bark; slightly acidic pH preferred
🏺 Potting: Use a pot with drainage holes, 2-5 cm larger than root ball; repot every 2-3 years in spring
🌱 Growth rate: Slow to moderate; grows 10-15 cm in 6 months, 20-30 cm annually, reaches 1-2 metres indoors at maturity
👩‍🌾 Fertilizing: Feed monthly during spring and summer with balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength
🐾 Pet friendly: No, mildly toxic to cats and dogs; ingestion may cause vomiting, drooling, or digestive upset
WHERE TO PUT IT
Ming Aralia thrives in living rooms, home offices, or bedrooms where it receives bright filtered light near east or north-facing windows. Its upright form makes it perfect as a floor plant in corners or beside furniture where its elegant silhouette can be appreciated. The plant also works well in entryways or hallways with adequate lighting. Avoid placing it in drafty areas near heating vents, air conditioners, or frequently opened exterior doors, as temperature fluctuations and dry air cause leaf drop. Keep away from dark bathrooms or windowless rooms where insufficient light will cause decline.