The Polyscias fruticosa (pol-ISS-see-as froo-tih-KOH-suh) ‘elegans’ plant is an elegant houseplant with a long lifespan.
It thrives as a houseplant because it’s compact, slow-growing, and requires little maintenance.
The plant is most commonly referred to as Ming Aralia, although there are some other common names.
This species of Polyscias is native to India to Polynesia, where it grows up to 8 feet tall in the wild.
However, Polyscias fruticosa ‘elegans’ was cultivated as a compact, indoor plant.
The houseplant will only grow to a height of 4′ feet as opposed to in its native habitat.
In addition, it’s relatively slow-growing, so it will take a few years to reach this maximum height.
If you prefer a smaller houseplant, the Dwarf Ming Aralia only grows to 1′ to 2′ feet.
The Ming Aralia plant is perfect as a coffee or dining room table centerpiece or in a terrarium or dish garden.
Because of its native habitat, the plant thrives in warmer temperatures and humidity.
It can grow outdoors as a decorative shrub in USDA hardiness zones 11 and 12, but it’s often kept indoors, where it lives and is nurtured all year.
The several common household names of Polyscias Fruticosa ‘Elegans’ are:
- Parsley Aralia
- Ming Aralia
- Variegated Ming Aralia
- Tea Tree
Quick Facts On Polyscias Fruticosa ‘Elegans’
- Family: Araliaceae
- Light: Bright indirect light
- Temperature: 60° to 75° degrees with high humidity
- Water: Room temperature water; water regularly
- Fertilizer: Liquid fertilizer during the growing season
- Propagation: Tip cuttings
- Common Problems: Spider mites, mealybugs
Polyscias Fruticosa ‘Elegans’ Care
What Does The Ming Aralia Plant Look Like, And How Big Does It Grow?
Ming Aralia is a compact yet beautiful green plant. It has a fern-like appearance with leather-like leaves. Some gardeners think the plant resembles a Japanese Maple with its curly leaves.
Because it takes years to grow to its maximum height of 4′ feet, a mature polyscias fruticosa ‘elegans’ is a prized plant and often expensive.
When Does Ming Aralia Flower? Are The Flowers Fragrant?
Although the Ming Aralia can flower, it rarely does when grown indoors.
When it flowers, Ming Aralia plants bloom in spring or summer, and the flowers are white-yellow.
What Are The Lighting Needs And Temperature Requirements?
Because of its native habitat, Ming Aralia plants like bright, indirect light and high humidity. While it can handle light shade, it prefers about 6 to 8 hours of indirect light daily.
However, the plant does not do well with direct afternoon sun because, like many plants, the sun can scorch or burn the leaves.
If kept indoors, the Ming Aralia does well in a north-facing window.
In addition to high humidity and indirect sun, the Ming Aralia thrives best in temperatures between 60° to 75° degrees Fahrenheit.
While it can handle temperatures up to 85° degrees Fahrenheit, anything colder than 60° degrees Fahrenheit will cause leaf loss.
A dry winter is probably the biggest challenge facing Ming Aralia plants. The colder dry weather will cause the plant to drop leaf stems and be completely leafless.
If you plan on keeping it as an outdoor plant, you can bring it indoors when the weather falls below 60° degrees Fahrenheit. Bringing it indoors when it gets cold will prevent the cold air from damaging the plant.
Also, to give the plant its necessary warmth, you can place the container on a radiator or heater, giving it steady heat.
To mimic a humid environment, place your pot on a large plate filled with pea gravel and water.
Also, many people find that misting the leaves with water can mimic their native humid habitat.
How And When To Water And Fertilize Ming Aralia?
Like many plants, the Ming Aralia needs consistent water, but it does not want to be oversaturated or underwatered.
If you let the soil dry out before you water again, that is the best tip. In addition, water the soil deeply every time you water. In the summertime, you should probably water your polyscias fruticosa ‘elegans’ weekly.
Your Ming Aralia will thrive with a monthly liquid fertilizer feeding during its growing season.
If you notice the leaves turning yellow or falling, it’s probably time for a feeding.
What Is The Best Soil For Polyscias Fruticosa ‘Elegans’, And When Should You Transplant?
Like many plants, the Ming Aralia loves a well-drained soil mixture, so any excess water is drained out of the pot.
Unfortunately, excess water sitting at the bottom of the container can cause your plant to get root rot.
Because polyscias fruticosa ‘elegans’ has rot-prone roots, your soil choice is even more essential.
In addition, you’ll want to make sure that your pot has drainage holes to help with excess moisture. A terracotta or clay pot can also take excess water from the soil.
It’s a good idea to repot your Ming Aralia every 1 to 2 years or as needed.
Because it’s a slow-growing plant, it usually won’t outgrow its container very quickly. However, it’s a good idea to repot for fresh soil.
Does Polyscias Fruticosa ‘Elegans’ Need Special Grooming Or Maintenance?
While the Ming Aralia plant doesn’t need to be pruned, if you want to keep it short and compact, you can trim it back every spring.
How To Propagate Parsley Aralia?
Like many plants, the Parsley Aralia can be propagated with cuttings.
Here’s what you need to do:
- In the spring, take healthy stem cuttings a few inches long.
- Then place them in the rooting hormone.
- Put well-drained soil in a pot and moisten the soil.
- Place the cuttings in moist soil.
- Provide cuttings with plenty of warmth and humidity.
In a few weeks, your cuttings should take root!
Polyscias Fruticosa ‘Elegans’ Pests And Diseases
The good news is that Polyscias fruticosa ‘elegans’ is reasonably resistant to diseases and pests.
However, like any indoor plant, you may encounter pests, such as:
- Spider mites
- Aphids,
- Mealybugs
Thankfully, treating with a neem oil solution or insecticide can rid your Ming Aralia plant of the pests.
Suggested Variegated Ming Aralia Uses
A Variegated Ming Aralia can be planted outdoors in a suitable climate (usually zones 11 or 12).
If in one of those zones, you can use it in the following landscapes:
- Entryway feature
- Container plant for shady porch, deck, or patio
- The backdrop for small plants
- Anchor plant for an Asian garden
- Architectural accent
Otherwise, a Variegated Ming Aralia thrives indoors as a decorative houseplant or building interiorscapes.