Ming aralia
Also called Parsley aralia, Chinese aralia.
| Light | bright indirect light |
|---|---|
| Water | Every 8 days in the growing season, every 18 in winter |
| Humidity | high |
| Difficulty | moderate |
| Height | Up to 150 cm (59 in) tall |
| Pets | Cats not known, dogs not known |
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control, toxic and non-toxic plants, no entry for Polyscias fruticosa.
Grown across South East Asia as a hedge and a kitchen herb, and indoors for the foliage, which is finely divided and slightly ferny on stems that go woody and slightly gnarled with age. It is a natural bonsai subject for that reason. What it asks for is not to be messed about with: it drops leaves at a change of position, a draught, a cold spell or a repot, and then takes several weeks to settle and releaf. Choose its spot carefully and then leave it there. Bright indirect light, compost that dries down between waterings, warmth and humidity are the rest of it. It grows slowly and lives a long time.
Ailments observed
| Leaves falling off | A move, a draught or a change of light, all of which it takes badly. Put it somewhere steady and leave it. It sheds leaves at any disturbance and takes weeks to settle, which is normal for this plant. |
|---|---|
| Yellow leaves at the bottom of the plant | Wet compost in a cool room. Let the top third dry between waterings and keep it above fifteen degrees. |
Filed underPlants for humid air, Statement plants
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