VLoveof Nature

Ming aralia

Polyscias fruticosa

Back to the plant library
Ming aralia · Polyscias fruticosa

Finely cut leaves like a miniature tree, grown as ornamental and bonsai.

Care and placement

Prefers bright indirect light, high humidity and 18–29 °C; water once the top 2–3 cm is dry but never let the whole root ball dry; avoid cold drafts.

Draft mature dimensions

Maximum height (cm): 200 cm · Maximum spread (cm): 100 cm

Things to consider

The genus Polyscias contains saponins: ASPCA lists it as toxic to dogs, cats and horses (contact dermatitis, vomiting, anorexia). All parts are mildly poisonous if eaten. Keep from pets and children; do not use it as medicine without guidance.

Unknown evidence does not mean safe. Decorative plants are not automatically edible.

Information is compiled from multiple reputable sources for reference. If you spot an error, please contact us so we can check and update it.

Send feedback

How to grow and care for it

  1. Planting and pot

    Plant in a well-draining pot with a moist, loose mix (or train as bonsai); repot every 2–3 years.

  2. Light

    Bright indirect light; gentle sun is tolerated but hot midday sun scorches leaves. Too little light makes it sparse, leggy and leaf-dropping.

  3. Watering

    Let the top 2–3 cm dry before watering; prone to root rot if soggy, yet drying out the whole root ball causes heavy leaf drop. Water less when cool; keep humidity high.

  4. Feeding

    Balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g. 10-10-10) at half strength monthly from spring to autumn (some sources only spring and summer); flush salts every 2–3 months.

  5. Pruning

    Pinch growing tips to branch and thicken; trim bonsai regularly to keep it compact and remove suckers so the trunk thickens. It grows slowly so hard pruning should be gradual.

  6. Propagation

    Take ~10 cm tip cuttings in late spring or summer: cut below a node, strip lower leaves, dip in rooting powder, set in moist mix, cover with a bag and keep above 22 °C; roots form in 4–5 weeks but are slow and unreliable.

  7. Pests and common problems

    Aphids, mealybugs, scale, spider mites, nematodes and whiteflies, usually in dry conditions; spray soap or neem oil. Cold drafts drop leaves.

  8. For plentiful, healthy leaves

    For dense foliage: bright indirect light, high humidity, regular tip pinching, light feeding in warm months and never letting the root ball dry out.