Contents
Description
Polyscias Fruticosa, commonly known as Ming Aralia, is a popular houseplant that belongs to the Araliaceae family. It is a native of Southeast Asia and Pacific Islands. The plant features glossy green leaves that are oval or pointed and grow up to 30cm in length. It can grow up to 2 meters tall and 1 meter wide when grown indoors.
Taxonomic Information
| Domain | Eukarya |
|---|---|
| Kingdom | Plantae |
| Phylum | Spermatophyta |
| Class | Magnoliopsida |
| Order | Apiales |
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Genus | Polyscias |
Appearance
Polyscias Fruticosa has a bushy appearance with multiple stems. The leaves are dark green and glossy, with an oval or pointed shape. The plant grows up to 2 meters tall and 1 meter wide indoors, and up to 6 meters tall in its natural habitat. The stems have a woody texture, and the plant produces small, white flowers in the summer.
Care Guide
Water
Polyscias Fruticosa requires moderate watering, and the soil should be kept moist but not waterlogged. Overwatering can lead to root rot, while underwatering can cause the leaves to droop and fall off. It is advisable to water the plant when the top inch of the soil is dry.
Fertilization
The plant should be fertilized every month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. It is recommended to use a slow-release fertilizer for best results.
Soil
Polyscias Fruticosa grows best in well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. The soil should be slightly acidic with a pH range of 5.5 to 6.5.
Sunlight
The plant prefers bright, indirect sunlight but can tolerate low light conditions. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves, while too little light can cause the plant to become leggy.
Hardiness Zones
Polyscias Fruticosa is a tropical plant and cannot tolerate frost. It is best grown indoors in hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Common Pests and Diseases
The plant is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests can be controlled by wiping the leaves with soapy water or using an insecticidal soap. The plant can also be affected by leaf spot and root rot, which can be prevented by avoiding overwatering and providing good drainage.
Habitat
Polyscias Fruticosa is native to Southeast Asia and Pacific Islands, where it grows in tropical forests and subtropical regions. It thrives in warm, humid environments with plenty of rainfall.
Question and Answer
Q: Can Polyscias Fruticosa be grown outdoors?
A: Yes, it can be grown outdoors in warm, humid environments with plenty of rainfall. It is best grown in hardiness zones 9 to 11.
Q: How often should I fertilize Polyscias Fruticosa?
A: The plant should be fertilized every month during the growing season with a balanced fertilizer.
Q: What is the ideal temperature range for Polyscias Fruticosa?
A: The plant thrives in warm temperatures between 65 to 80°F (18 to 27°C).
Q: Can Polyscias Fruticosa tolerate low light conditions?
A: Yes, the plant can tolerate low light conditions, but it prefers bright, indirect sunlight.
Related Plants
- Polyscias balfouriana
- Polyscias guilfoylei
- Polyscias scutellaria
References
- “Polyscias fruticosa.” Missouri Botanical Garden. Accessed 22 October 2021. http://www.missouribotanicalgarden.org/PlantFinder/PlantFinderDetails.aspx?taxonid=280161
- “Polyscias fruticosa.” Plant Care Today. Accessed 22 October 2021. https://plantcaretoday.com/polyscias-fruticosa.html
- “Ming Aralia (Polyscias fruticosa).” Houseplant Central. Accessed 22 October 2021. https://houseplantcentral.com/polyscias-fruticosa-ming-aralia/
