Ming Aralia

polyscias guilfoylei

Also known as: ["False Aralia","Dwarf Aralia"]

Family: Araliaceae Genus: Polyscias Category: Leaf Plants

Overview

A tropical evergreen shrub with delicate, lacy foliage and an elegant, upright growth habit.

Benefits & Perks

["aesthetic foliage","shade tolerant"]

Botanical Classification

Phylum: Magnoliophyta
Class: Magnoliopsida
Order: Apiales
Family: Araliaceae
Genus: Polyscias
Botanical Name: Polyscias guilfoylei

Plant Characteristics

Basic Information
  • Category: Leaf Plants
  • Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright room with high humidity
  • Suitable For:
    Beginners Indoor Plant Lovers Collectors & Enthusiasts
  • Is Weed: No
  • Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
  • Climate: {"temperatureRange":"15–30°C"}
  • Hardiness: {"zones":"10–12"}
  • Misting: every 2–3 days to maintain humidity, especially in dry environments
  • Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
  • Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with perlite or sand for aeration.
Maintenance Level
  • Maintenance Level: moderate
  • Toughness Level: moderate
  • Pruning Frequency: Every 2–3 months or as needed to maintain shape.
  • Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if overgrown.
Care Details

Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust to lower light in winter.

Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Gradually acclimate to brighter light; protect from direct sun to prevent scorching; place near east-facing windows indoors.

Warning Signs: Yellowing leaves, root rot, or stunted growth indicate poor soil or drainage issues.

Care Requirements

Care Difficulty
moderate

moderate

Sunlight

bright, indirect light

Rotate plant weekly; use sheer curtains for filtered light; avoid south-facing windows in summer.

Watering

every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings

Allow soil to dry partially between waterings; avoid overwatering; ensure good drainage.

Soil

well-draining, peat-based potting mix

pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 6.0–7.0).

Ensure pots have drainage holes; avoid heavy clay soils; top-dress with compost annually.

Temperature

Prefers 65–75°F (18–24°C); tolerates 50–85°F (10–29°C); prefers stable temperatures.

Avoid sudden temperature changes; keep away from vents; maintain stable indoor temps.

Fertilizing

every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer)

Flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; reduce feeding in fall; apply fertilizer after watering.

Propagation

Methods

Stem cuttings in water or soil.

Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
  1. Take a 4–6 inch cutting.
  2. Remove lower leaves.
  3. Place in medium.
  4. Maintain humidity.

Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.

Environment

Warm, humid, and bright indirect light with consistent moisture.

Medium

Well-draining potting mix or water with occasional root hormone application.

Hormone

Optional but recommended for faster rooting.

Timeline

Roots in 3–6 weeks; new growth in 2–3 months.

Tools Needed

Pruners, rooting hormone, small pots, plastic wrap.

Quick Tips

Use healthy parent stems; maintain high humidity; change water regularly if using water propagation.

Pruning & Repotting

Pruning Guide
Method

Pinch back tips or cut stems just above a leaf node.

Pruning Plan

Shape the plant, encourage bushier growth, and remove dead or leggy stems.

Tools

Clean, sharp pruners or scissors.

Checklist

Sterilize tools; prune in early morning; remove dead/damaged growth; shape evenly.

Repotting Guide
Best Season

Spring before new growth begins.

Pot Size

Increase pot size by 1–2 inches in diameter.

Method

Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; use fresh well-draining soil; water lightly after repotting.

Suggestions

Repot every 2–3 years or when roots fill the pot; promotes fresh soil and growth.

Checklist

Check root bound status; prepare new pot; use fresh soil; water sparingly post-repotting.

Advanced Care Tips

Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist

Check soil moisture; water deeply; ensure drainage; adjust for season.

How to Apply Water Properly

Water deeply until it drains from the bottom, ensuring root zone saturation; avoid wetting foliage; water in the morning to allow foliage to dry.

Pro Tip: Use room-temperature water to avoid shocking the roots.
Watering Schedule Tips

Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.

Soil Improvement

Add perlite or coarse sand to improve drainage; incorporate organic matter for fertility.

Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues

Yellowing leaves, leaf drop, stunted growth, or browning leaf edges.

Cold Stress

Slows growth, causes leaf drop, and may lead to root rot in cold, damp conditions.

Solution: Move to a warmer location; avoid cold drafts; ensure proper watering to prevent root rot.

Hot Stress

Wilting, leaf scorch, or leaf drop due to excessive heat and dryness.

Solution: Provide shade; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid overwatering.

Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist

Check season; dilute fertilizer; apply to moist soil; rinse tools afterward.

Fertilizing Method

Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring–summer); avoid fertilizing in winter.

Common Problems & Solutions

Yellow leaves in Polyscias guilfoylei can indicate nutrient deficiencies, overwatering, or pest infestations, affecting the plant's photosynthetic efficiency and overall health.

Wilting in Polyscias guilfoylei may result from water stress, either due to under or overwatering, disrupting nutrient uptake and leading to leaf drop and potential plant death.

Leaf spots on Polyscias guilfoylei may be caused by fungal or bacterial infections, leading to reduced photosynthesis, leaf drop, and aesthetic damage to the plant.

Rotting, particularly root rot, can occur in Polyscias guilfoylei due to excessive moisture, leading to decay of root systems, reduced water absorption, and eventual plant decline.

Toxicity Warning

Cats
Non-toxic

Polyscias guilfoylei is not considered toxic to cats. It does not produce any known harmful effects when ingested by felines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are necessary for cats around this plant.
Dogs
Non-toxic

Polyscias guilfoylei is not considered toxic to dogs. It does not produce any known harmful effects when ingested by canines.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are necessary for dogs around this plant.
Humans
Non-toxic

Polyscias guilfoylei is not considered toxic to humans. It has no known adverse physiological effects when ingested in typical amounts.

🌿 Toxic Parts:
none
⚡ Toxic If:

if eaten

No special precautions are necessary for human handling or ingestion of this plant.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How often should I water Ming Aralia?

A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, typically once a week, but adjust based on humidity and season.

Q: Does Ming Aralia need direct sunlight?

A: No, it prefers bright, indirect light; direct sun can scorch its leaves.

Q: Why are the leaves of my Ming Aralia turning yellow?

A: Yellow leaves may indicate overwatering, underwatering, or low humidity; check soil moisture and environmental conditions.

Quick Reference
Family: Araliaceae
Care: moderate
Light: bright, indirect light
Water: every 7–10 days, allowing so
Suitable For: ["beginners","indoor plant lovers","collectors/enthusiasts"]
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