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Bright, indirect light. Tolerates some morning or late afternoon direct sun (right in the window where sun actually hits the leaves. A strong grow light 4-6 inches away can substitute). Insufficient light causes leggy growth and leaf drop. North, east, or west-facing windows are all workable.Light
Keep soil lightly moist during the growing season; water when the top quarter of soil is dry. Reduce watering by about half in winter. Use room-temperature water - cold water shocks the plant and causes leaf drop.Water
50-70% humidity is ideal. Mist daily or use a humidifier. Low humidity is one of the most common causes of leaf drop and brown leaf tips.Humidity
65-85°F (18-29°C). Sensitive to cold - do not expose to temperatures below 60°F or cold drafts.Temperature
moderateDifficulty
Polyscias fruticosa (Ming Aralia) close-up foliage

Ming Aralia

Polyscias fruticosa

Moderate

Ming Aralia has the kind of finely divided, feathery foliage that makes it look like someone grew a bonsai tree out of parsley — the intricate leaf texture and gnarly branching structure are genuinely beautiful and get more interesting as the plant ages. Your plant is slow-growing and somewhat dramatic about humidity and temperature consistency, but reward it with a stable warm spot and moisture, and it will hold its elegant form for years. It also has centuries of history in traditional Asian medicine, which adds some character to an already striking plant.

Polyscias fruticosa (Ming Aralia) close-up foliage
Myrmux, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Polyscias fruticosa (Ming Aralia) close-up foliage
Myrmux, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons
Care Guide

How to grow Ming Aralia

Light

Bright, indirect light.

Water

Keep soil lightly moist during

Humidity

50-70%

Temperature

65-85°F

Soil

Well-draining, rich potting soil with a pH of 6.

Propagation

Stem cuttings are most reliable.

Common Problems

Leaf drop is the most

Did You Know

Fun Facts

Young leaves and shoots of Polyscias fruticosa are eaten as a vegetable in Thailand (where it's called 'lep khrut') — cooked in curries or eaten raw in salads. It has been used in Vietnamese and broader Asian folk medicine for centuries as an anti-inflammatory, tonic, and treatment for rheumatism.

Pet Safety

Toxic to pets

Mildly toxic to cats, dogs, horses, and humans (ASPCA confirmed). Contains saponins that cause gastrointestinal distress, vomiting, drooling, and mouth irritation if ingested. The sap can cause skin irritation - wear gloves when pruning or propagating.

Sources

  1. Polyscias fruticosa - Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
  2. Polyscias fruticosa — Missouri Botanical Garden Plant Finder (opens in new tab)Botanical Garden
  3. Ming Aralia Care - Smart Garden Guide (opens in new tab)Reference
  4. Ming Aralia Care — Smart Garden Guide (opens in new tab)Reference
  5. Polyscias fruticosa - Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
  6. Polyscias fruticosa — Wikipedia (opens in new tab)Reference
  7. Polyscias fruticosa - NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)University Extension
  8. Polyscias fruticosa — NC State Extension Gardener Plant Toolbox (opens in new tab)University Extension
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