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Ming Aralia Stump

Ming Aralia Stump

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About This Plant

Ming Aralia (Polyscias fruticosa 'Ming') is a tropical plant native to Polynesia and parts of Southeast Asia. Indoors in a 6-inch pot, it stands 30 to 45 cm tall. Growth is slow and the plant holds its sculptural shape for years, making it an architectural small tree.

The bonsai-like trunk shape makes it a conversation piece in any bright room.

The gnarled, textured trunk and the lacy canopy of fine green leaflets create a look closer to a miniature specimen tree than a typical houseplant. It suits a well-lit desk, shelf, or plant stand in an Ontario or Quebec home.

Keep it away from pets and children.

The ASPCA confirms Polyscias spp. is toxic to cats and dogs. The plant contains saponins that cause vomiting, contact dermatitis, anorexia, and depression if ingested. Keep it on a high shelf or in a room pets cannot reach.

Consistency is the key to keeping it healthy.

Ming Aralia drops its leaves when moved, repotted, overwatered, or placed near a draft. Once you find the right spot with good indirect light and stable temperatures, leave it there.

Winter Slowdown

Growth slows from November onward as Canadian light levels drop. Leaf drop is likely in winter. Keep it above 18 degrees Celsius and away from drafts. Reduce watering to every 2 weeks and stop fertilizing until April. If it drops some leaves in early winter, do not move it.

Toxicity

Toxic to cats and dogs, confirmed by the ASPCA (Polyscias spp.). The plant contains saponins that cause vomiting, contact dermatitis, anorexia, and depression if ingested. Keep on a high shelf out of reach of pets and small children.

Pests

Spider mites are a common pest on Ming Aralia, particularly from November through March when dry heated air in Ontario and Quebec homes reduces the plant's natural resistance. Check both areas each time you water and wipe pests off with a damp cloth.

Other Plants You Might Like

Not sure this is the right fit? Here are three other plants our Canadian customers love. All ship across Canada and thrive in Canadian homes.

Ficus Bonsai.

For another miniature tree with a sculptural trunk and a different leaf shape, the Ficus Bonsai brings the same bonsai-style appeal in a compact size for a bright Canadian window.

Japanese Aralia.

For a larger Aralia-family plant with dramatic, deeply lobed large leaves instead of fine foliage, the Japanese Aralia suits a bright corner in an Ontario or Quebec home.

Money Tree.

For a braided trunk plant with a similar sculptural presence and easier care requirements, the Money Tree is one of the most popular statement trunk plants for Canadian homes.

Common Questions

Why is my Ming Aralia dropping leaves?

Leaf drop is the Ming Aralia's main stress response and it happens for several reasons: being moved to a new location, repotting, cold drafts, a heating vent nearby, or a sudden change in watering routine. Once the plant is settled in a stable, warm, bright spot away from drafts, leaf drop usually stops. Do not move it to try to fix the problem. Leave it in place, adjust watering if the soil is too wet or too dry, and give it several weeks to stabilise.

How often should I water it?

Water when the top inch of soil feels dry. In spring and summer that is roughly every seven to ten days. In a Canadian winter, every two weeks. Ming Aralia drops leaves when overwatered just as readily as when it dries out, so check the soil before watering rather than following a fixed schedule. Our indoor plant watering guide shows how to check moisture before watering.

Is Ming Aralia toxic to cats and dogs?

Yes. The ASPCA confirms Polyscias spp. is toxic to cats and dogs. The plant contains saponins that cause vomiting, contact dermatitis, anorexia, and depression if ingested. Keep it on a high shelf that pets and small children cannot reach.

Can I trim it to keep it a certain shape?

Yes. Pruning in spring encourages branching and keeps the canopy compact. Cut back to a leaf node just above where you want new growth to emerge. Avoid heavy pruning in winter when the plant is already stressed by low light and dry air. Light trimming of any leggy stems can be done year-round.

What light does it need in a Canadian home?

Bright indirect light is ideal. An east-facing window or a spot near a bright south-facing window with a sheer curtain both work well. From October to February when Canadian daylight is shortest, keep it as close to the brightest window as possible. Avoid direct afternoon sun, which scorches the delicate leaflets. Read our guide to light requirements for indoor plants to find the right spot.

Good to Know

Sun: Indirect

Bright indirect light suits the fine leaflets. Avoid direct afternoon sun which scorches the canopy. An east-facing window with gentle morning light is the ideal setup.

Light: Medium to bright indirect

A spot near an east- or south-facing window works year-round. From October to February, move it as close to the brightest window as possible. Low light causes leaf drop and thin, sparse growth.

Water: When top inch of soil is dry

Water when the top inch feels dry, roughly every seven to ten days in spring and summer and every two weeks in a Canadian winter. Check before watering. Both overwatering and underwatering cause leaf drop in this plant.

Humidity: Moderate to high

Prefers humidity above 40 percent. The dry forced-air heating in Ontario and Quebec homes from November through March causes leaf drop and leaf edge browning. A pebble tray or a nearby humidifier helps. Keep it away from heating vents.

Pet Friendly: No

Toxic to cats and dogs, confirmed by the ASPCA. Contains saponins. Keep it somewhere pets and small children cannot reach.

Pro Tip

Ming Aralia reacts to relocation with significant leaf drop. Pick a warm, stable, bright spot away from cold glass, drafts, heating vents, and leave the plant there permanently. The same spot, with seasonal watering adjustments, produces the steadiest growth.


What To Expect

Shipping and Delivery Details

Choose local GTA delivery, free Richmond Hill pickup, or shipping across Canada. Pick your delivery or pickup date at checkout, we'll have it ready and fresh for you. See full shipping and delivery details.

30-Day Happy Plant Guarantee

If your plant arrives damaged or isn't healthy, contact us within 30 days with a photo. We'll send a replacement or a full refund, and we cover return shipping.

View our complete guarantee policy

Frequently Asked Questions

Certainly! If you're pondering about ordering plants online, you're not alone. We've compiled the most frequently asked questions. Check out our FAQ section here for quick answers! Happy planting!

Plant and Pot Size Guide

4" Pot (Small): plant is approx. 6-10 inches tall. 6" Pot (Medium): approx. 12-18 inches tall. All plants come in a standard nursery pot. Decorative pots are sold separately.

Winter Shipping Protection

Between November and March, you can add Winter Shipping Protection at checkout. It adds insulated packaging and heat packs to protect your plant from the cold in transit. Cold damage is only covered if it's added to your order.

You can add winter shipping protection at checkout.

Returns Policy

If your plant arrives damaged, has pests, or starts to decline within 30 days, we'll send a replacement or a full refund, and we cover return shipping. 

Change of mind, repotted or trimmed plants, and cold damage without Winter Shipping Protection aren't covered. See our full Return Policy

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Plant care essentials

Everything you need to keep this plant thriving.

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