Ming Aralia, Dinner Plate Aralia, Polyscias Balfouriana – Plant

The Ming Aralia (also known as Dinner Plate Aralia or Polyscias balfouriana) is a lush, tropical evergreen shrub that brings an air of elegance and beauty to any space. With its distinctive shiny, deep green leaves and unique mounding growth habit, the Ming Aralia makes a fantastic indoor plant, perfect for both beginner and experienced plant enthusiasts. This plant is known for its unique appearance, featuring large, glossy leaves that resemble the shape of a dinner plate, adding a dramatic flair to your home decor.

Native to the tropical regions of Asia, particularly Indonesia and the Pacific Islands, the Ming Aralia is a low-maintenance, yet eye-catching plant that thrives indoors in well-lit environments. It’s ideal for homes, offices, and commercial spaces, offering a tropical feel with minimal effort. The plant’s ability to grow both as a shrub or small tree makes it a versatile choice for creating dynamic arrangements or standing out as a statement plant.

Key Features:

• Eye-Catching Foliage: The Ming Aralia’s large, glossy, dinner plate-shaped leaves make it a standout in any plant collection. The deep green foliage gives a lush, tropical vibe to any space.
• Low Maintenance: Despite its tropical origins, the Ming Aralia is easy to care for and can thrive in a variety of conditions, making it ideal for busy homeowners or beginners.
• Versatile Growth: It can be grown as a shrub, or with proper care, can also grow into a small tree with a woody stem, adding an exotic look to any indoor space.
• Air-Purifying: Like many indoor plants, the Ming Aralia can help purify the air by absorbing toxins and releasing oxygen, improving the indoor air quality.
• Tropical Charm: Whether displayed on its own or as part of a larger plant collection, the Ming Aralia adds a tropical elegance to living rooms, entryways, offices, and patios.

Care Instructions for Ming Aralia (Polyscias Balfouriana):

1. Light Requirements: The Ming Aralia thrives in bright, indirect light. It can tolerate low light conditions but will not grow as vigorously in the shade. Ideally, place the plant near a window with filtered sunlight. Avoid placing the plant in direct sunlight for extended periods, as this may scorch its leaves, leading to brown spots or fading of the foliage.
2. Watering: Water the Ming Aralia regularly, keeping the soil moist but not waterlogged. Ensure the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot. Water the plant when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. In the warmer months (spring and summer), water once a week, but in the cooler months (fall and winter), water less frequently—every 10-14 days. Always check the soil moisture before watering to avoid overwatering, as the plant is susceptible to root rot if kept in consistently wet soil.
3. Soil Requirements: The Ming Aralia prefers well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral soil. A standard potting mix with added perlite or sand for better drainage works well. In outdoor gardens (in warm climates), it thrives in rich, well-draining soil with plenty of organic matter.
4. Temperature: The Ming Aralia prefers warm temperatures and thrives in environments between 65°F and 75°F (18°C to 24°C). It does not tolerate frost or cold drafts, so make sure to keep it away from windows or doors during the winter months. Avoid placing it in areas where temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), as cold temperatures can stunt growth and damage the plant.
5. Humidity: Being a tropical plant, the Ming Aralia appreciates higher humidity. If you live in a dry climate, consider placing the plant on a humidity tray, using a room humidifier, or regularly misting the leaves to maintain moisture levels. However, it can also tolerate average humidity levels in most homes, especially if it is kept in a well-lit, warm space.
6. Fertilization: Feed the Ming Aralia with a balanced, liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4-6 weeks during the growing season (spring and summer). This will help support healthy growth and vibrant foliage. During the fall and winter months, reduce feeding, as the plant’s growth slows down during the cooler months.
7. Pruning and Maintenance: Prune the plant regularly to maintain its shape and encourage bushier growth. Trim back any leggy or overgrown branches to promote a more compact, fuller plant. If you wish to encourage a tree-like appearance, allow the Ming Aralia to grow taller by cutting back only the side shoots and leaving the main stem intact. Remove any dead or yellowing leaves to keep the plant looking healthy and neat.
8. Repotting: Repot your Ming Aralia every 2-3 years or when it becomes root-bound. Choose a pot that is 1-2 inches larger in diameter than the current one to give the roots room to grow. Be sure to use fresh, well-draining soil when repotting to ensure healthy growth.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: How often should I water my Ming Aralia?
A: Water the Ming Aralia when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry. In warmer months (spring and summer), water once a week. During the cooler months (fall and winter), water less frequently, about every 10-14 days. Be sure not to let the plant sit in standing water, as this can lead to root rot.

Q: Can I grow Ming Aralia outdoors?
A: Yes, Ming Aralia can be grown outdoors in warm, tropical climates. It prefers well-draining soil and partial to full shade. Avoid planting it in areas where temperatures drop below 50°F (10°C), as it will not survive in freezing conditions.

Q: Does Ming Aralia require high humidity?
A: While the Ming Aralia thrives in higher humidity, it can also adapt to average indoor humidity levels. If your home is particularly dry, you can increase humidity by placing the plant on a humidity tray, using a humidifier, or misting the leaves occasionally.

Q: Why are the leaves of my Ming Aralia turning yellow?
A: Yellowing leaves can be a sign of overwatering or poor drainage. Make sure the plant is not sitting in water, and check that the pot has adequate drainage holes. Also, yellowing can occur due to nutrient deficiency, so feeding your plant with a balanced fertilizer may help.

Q: Can I keep Ming Aralia in low light?
A: While the Ming Aralia can tolerate low light, it will grow much better and faster in bright, indirect light. Too little light can cause slow growth and sparse foliage. Ideally, place it near a window with filtered sunlight.

Q: How tall does the Ming Aralia grow?
A: In ideal conditions, the Ming Aralia can grow anywhere from 3 to 6 feet tall, depending on the amount of light and care it receives. If allowed to grow as a tree, it can reach a taller height with a woody stem and canopy of leaves.