Moderate Tropical Safe for pets

Ming Aralia

Polyscias fruticosa

An elegant houseplant with finely cut foliage, reminiscent of a small tropical tree, valued for its graceful form.

The essentials at a glance

Watering

Every 5 days
Light

Bright indirect light
Humidity

60–80 %
Temperature

16–26 °C

How to care for your Ming Aralia

Everything you need to keep your Ming Aralia healthy: watering, light, humidity, feeding, repotting and pruning.

Polyscias fruticosa is a tropical shrub native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. Its finely cut, serrated foliage carried on woody, twisted stems gives it the appearance of a naturally elegant miniature tree. It is a plant that demands high ambient humidity and tends to drop its leaves if conditions don't suit it, especially in interiors that are too dry and too warm. However, in a suitable environment, it rewards the gardener with a graceful form and lush foliage.

Watering your Ming Aralia

Every 5 days

Water regularly to keep the substrate slightly moist. Ming aralia is sensitive to both drought and overwatering. Use room-temperature water.

How to know it needs water

Substrate dry in the top centimetre
Leaves beginning to drop
Lower leaves yellowing

How much light a Ming Aralia needs

Bright indirect light

Bright indirect light. Tolerates moderate light but loses foliage density. Avoid direct sun which scorches the delicate leaves.

Direct sun tolerated: No direct sun
Orientations that suit it: North, North-east, East, North-west, West, South-east, South-west

Humidity and misting

60–80 %

60–80% Mist daily or very frequently. Ming aralia demands high humidity and drops its leaves if the air is too dry. A nearby humidifier is strongly recommended.

Feeding and fertiliser

Every 14 days

Fertilize every 2 weeks from March to September. Reduce to once a month in winter. Ming aralia appreciates regular but moderate fertilization.

Recommended feed: Balanced liquid fertilizer for foliage plants, diluted to half dose. · 3-1-2

Repotting your Ming Aralia

Every 24 months

Use light, rich, well-draining compost (compost + perlite + bark). Do not repot into too large a pot — increase by a maximum of 2–3 cm in diameter. Ming aralia dislikes being disturbed.

When: Spring (April–May)
Potting mix: All-purpose potting mix
Mix in: perlite, coco fibre

The tell-tale signs

Roots emerging from drainage holes
Growth slowing
Substrate drying very quickly

Pruning your Ming Aralia

In spring to maintain a harmonious shape. Can be pruned throughout the year if necessary. Cut overly long branches just above a leaf node. Ming aralia lends itself well to bonsai-style pruning. Stem cuttings can be rooted in water.

Through the year

Watering is not set once and for all: it follows the light and the growth. Allow 6 days between waterings in the depth of winter, against 4 in the growing season.

Active growth · Days between waterings

Good to know

Polyscias is nicknamed 'Ming Aralia' in reference to the Chinese Ming dynasty, as it has been traditionally cultivated as an indoor bonsai in Asia for centuries.
The word Polyscias comes from the Greek 'polys' (many) and 'skias' (shade), referring to its dense foliage that creates abundant shade.

Frequently asked questions about the Ming Aralia

How do you care for a Ming Aralia?

Water it every 5 days. Give it bright indirect light. Ideal humidity: 60–80 %. Ideal temperature: 16–26 °C. Water regularly to keep the substrate slightly moist. Ming aralia is sensitive to both drought and overwatering. Use room-temperature water.

How often should you water a Ming Aralia?

Every 5 days Water regularly to keep the substrate slightly moist. Ming aralia is sensitive to both drought and overwatering. Use room-temperature water. How to know it needs water : Substrate dry in the top centimetre ; Leaves beginning to drop ; Lower leaves yellowing.

How much light does a Ming Aralia need?

Bright indirect light Bright indirect light. Tolerates moderate light but loses foliage density. Avoid direct sun which scorches the delicate leaves. No direct sun

Is the Ming Aralia toxic to cats and dogs?

No, the Ming Aralia is not listed as toxic to cats and dogs. That is still no reason to let your pets chew on it.

Why are my Ming Aralia leaves turning yellow?

Yellowing most often comes from too much water: the mix stays wet and the roots suffocate. Check that the pot drains, empty the saucer, and let the mix dry before watering again. Too little light or a cold draught cause the same symptom.

When should you repot a Ming Aralia?

Repot every 24 months, ideally in spring (april–may). Use light, rich, well-draining compost (compost + perlite + bark). Do not repot into too large a pot — increase by a maximum of 2–3 cm in diameter. Ming aralia dislikes being disturbed.