Polyscias fruticosa – Indoor House Plants

Polyscias fruticosa (commonly called as Ming aralia) is an
evergreen ornamental shrub. It grows fairly slowly but can
reach up to 1 to 2 meters in height. It has spreading branches
and dark green and glossy leaves that are tripinnate and appear divided. Individual leaves vary from narrowly ovate to lanceolate and are about 4 inches long. Light yellow to white blossoms in free-branching inflorescence bloom in summer and black fruit are rarely produced.

Scientific Name: Polyscias fruticosa
Common Names: Ming aralia

 

 

 

 

How to grow and maintain Polyscias fruticosa (Ming aralia):

Light:
It thrives best in bright indirect sunlight but will survive in shade. Avoid direct sunlight.

Soil:
It grows well in rich, acidic, medium moisture, well-drained
loamy soil or use a peat moss-based potting mix with perlite.

Water:
Water your Ming aralia plant regularly during the growing season and always keep the soil evenly moist but not soggy. You can allow the topsoil to become slightly dry between each watering. During the winter months, reduce watering.

Temperature:
It prefers an average room temperatures between 65 degrees
Fahrenheit – 85 / 18 degrees Celsius – 29 degrees Celsius.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize monthly from spring through fall with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. Young leaves that are yellowish-green are caused by a lack of nutrients.

Propagation:
It can be easily propagated by cuttings. Take 10 cm stem tip cuttings in late spring or summer. Cut just below a leaf node and expel the lower leaves from the cutting and use a rooting hormone for best outcome.

Pests and Diseases:
There is no serious pest or disease problems. Watch for aphids,
scale, mealybugs and whiteflies. Root rot may occur in overly
soggy soils.

Medicinal uses of Polyscias fruticosa:

• Polyscias fruticosa has been used in traditional medicine as a tonic, anti-inflammatory, antitoxin, and an antibacterial
  ointment.
• It is also utilized against dysentery, neuralgia, rheumatism, and digestion-related ailments.
• Young leaves, shoots and also roots, are cooked as vegetable and flavoring.