Ming aralia plant is a houseplant that is actually an evergreen shrub that is native to the tropics of India and Polynesia. For its fluffy, bright green foliage, it is worth the extra work even though it is a little more fickle to grow than the usual plant.
It is a multi-layered, intricate plant, with beautiful narrow branches that grow straight up supporting its ferny, feathery leaves. Similar to false aralia, ming aralia grows slowly, but with careful care, it can eventually grow to a height of more over 6 feet. It is most frequently maintained indoors, where it may be planted and kept all year long, even though USDA hardiness zones 11 and 12 allow it to be designated an outdoor decorative shrub.
Both people and pets are slightly poisonous from this plant. It has saponic glycosides, which can make you sick to your stomach and make your skin swell up.
Ming Aralia Plant Care
Ming aralia shouldn’t be difficult to care for if you have experience caring for a range of indoor plants. Despite the shrub’s reputation of being picky throughout the years, it is really no fussier than any other piece of greenery you’ve taken care .
Simulating the native tropical environment will keep Ming aralia content. The Ming aralia does not require direct sunlight, but it does require the right temperature and humidity levels. If either of those conditions is off, you can be sure that your plant will not flourish. In order to prevent the plant’s delicate roots from decaying, well-draining soil is also necessary.
The Ming aralia houseplant is not only attractive, but it also has some advantages of its own. It may be grown as a bonsai and is a representation of tranquilly, harmony, and equilibrium. It can also eliminate harmful VOCs from the air within your house, serving as a fantastic air purifier in the process.
Light
Ming Aralia is comfortable in light shade and prefers direct, bright light. The plant should be allowed to get early sun, but it should never be maintained in direct sunlight during the sterner afternoon hours because the rays could damage its delicate leaf. Aim for six to eight hours of filtered light every day; Ming aralia are reported to thrive in North-facing light.
Soil
To balance its requirement for moisture with its brittle, rot-prone roots, soil Ming aralia favours a rich yet well-drained soil mixture. 3 Drainage should come first even though the precise soil composition can differ (from sandy to loamy to peat moss). To assist wick additional moisture from the soil and serve as an additional barrier against root rot, choose a clay or terracotta pot.
Water
It’s crucial to keep your Ming aralia regularly damp but never soaked. Once a week should be sufficient to sufficiently water the soil thoroughly and let it almost completely dry out. Additionally, you can reduce your watering frequency in the winter and water your plant only every other week.
Humidity and temperature
The growth and success of Ming aralia as a whole depend heavily on temperature and humidity. You must maintain comfortable indoor conditions for your plant in order for it to grow. Ming aralia may tolerate higher temperatures (it thrives in the range of 65 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit), but anything below 60 degrees will cause your plant to fail and drop its leaves. Keeping a Ming aralia entirely covered in leaves during the dry, chilly winter is the toughest problem. When exposed to cold air, the plant starts to lose its leaf stems and quickly becomes completely bare. Avoid this by providing it with constant warmth, with the help of a bottom heater if necessary.
You’ll probably need to increase the humidity in your space for the Ming aralia as well, unless you enjoy having a tropical atmosphere in your home. Place your container or pot on a tray packed with damp pebbles when gardening indoors to raise humidity levels. You can also water the plant’s foliage on a regular basis to simulate the humid, moist climate of the tropics.
Fertilizer
During the Ming aralia’s growing season, fertilise it every month with a liquid fertiliser (spring through fall). A good sign that your plant isn’t getting enough nutrients and could use some fertiliser is if you notice fallen leaves or ones that have a yellowish-green hue.
Restoration and Potting Ming Aralia Repot can be repotted every two years or annually as needed. If you want to keep the plant smaller, repot it less frequently because a mature Ming aralia can grow to be 6 feet or more in ideal circumstances. Although they don’t mind being a little pot-bound, you should annually topdress or renew the soil.
Common insects and plant ailments
The good news is that Ming aralia can fend off pests to a certain extent. However, you might come with aphids, scale, mealybugs, and spider mites. 1 You can control these pests by misting your plant with a solution of soap or neem oil (two tablespoons in a gallon of water).
some common problems with Ming aralia
The Ming aralia’s yellowing and dropping leaves are the most typical complaint. Several problems may be the cause of this:
Overwatering: Root rot can be started by using excessive water, and its first symptom is the yellowing and loss of leaves.
Dropping leaves can be a symptom that a plant is not receiving enough nutrients, which is known as inadequate nutrition. Always feed once a month.
Cold temperatures: If your plant is next to an open window or air conditioner vent, leaves may start to fall.
Mineral accumulation in the soil can be brought on by using too much fertiliser or water that has been softened. 5 These are not heavy feeders; they need to be fed no more frequently than once a month. Furthermore, using distilled water or rainfall that has been collected is preferable to using tap water when watering your plants.
FAQS
What is the Ming Aralia Plant?
The Ming Aralia plant (Polyscias fruticosa) is an exotic evergreen shrub native to the tropics of India and Polynesia. Known for its feathery, fern-like leaves, it is often grown as an indoor plant for its striking appearance and ease of care when placed in the right conditions.
Why are my Ming Aralia plant’s leaves turning yellow?
Yellow leaves on your Ming Aralia plant could be due to overwatering, insufficient nutrients, or exposure to cold temperatures. Ensure you’re watering properly, feeding monthly, and protecting the plant from cold drafts.
How often should I water my Ming Aralia plant?
Water your Ming Aralia plant once a week during the growing season, but allow the soil to dry out almost completely before watering again.
InWatering should be reduced to every other week during the winter
Can Ming Aralia plant be grown outdoors?
Yes, Ming Aralia can be grown outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 11-12, where temperatures don’t fall below 60°F. In colder climates, it’s best kept indoors.
How do I propagate my Ming Aralia plant?
You can propagate your Ming Aralia plant by taking green stem cuttings during spring. Place the cuttings in damp soil, keeping them warm and humid until they take root.
Is Ming Aralia plant toxic to pets?
Yes, the Ming Aralia plant is toxic to both cats and dogs if ingested. It contains saponic glycosides, which can cause stomach upset and skin irritation.
What kind of soil is best for Ming Aralia plant?
Ming Aralia prefers well-draining, rich soil that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged. A mix of loamy, sandy, or peat-based soil with good drainage is ideal.
