Aralia Ming Care Instructions

Taxonomic Name: Polyscias fruticosa

Aralia Family

Shrub

The Ming aralia imparts an air of elegance and refinement that is hard to match with most other houseplants. One veteran plantscaper has even nicknamed it the "CEO plant," because of the frequency with which it is used in offices of high-ranking corporate executives. The Ming aralia produces a mass of finely dissected foliage that rises above a cluster of twisting, woody stems that. The result is a distinctly bonsailike aspect, in graceful form if not in diminutive size. In the indoor environment, the ming aralia usually attains a maximum height of about six feet.

How to Care for Your Plant:

LIGHT: Some direct sunlight (for example, in an eastern or western window) is preferred. Bright indirect sunlight is also acceptable.

WATERING: Make sure the soil surface dries between waterings. When the soil surface is dry to the touch, water the plant thoroughly. At least a little water should come out of the pot's bottom drainage holes, but the plant should not stand in saucer water more than 30 minutes.  

FEEDING: When the plant is not growing new leaves, feed the plant sparingly--once every few months. When the plant is growing actively, however, feed every 3 weeks with an all purpose houseplant fertilizer.

POTENTIAL PROBLEMS: Check periodically for mealy bug and scale insects. These pests can be controlled with careful insecticide applications. Ask a Chalet horticulturist for specific product recommendations.