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Ming aralia Polyscias

Other Common Name(s):

Other plants called Ming aralia:

Phonetic Spelling
pol-ISS-skee-as
This plant has low severity poison characteristics.
See below
Description

An evergreen shrub with slender, upright branches.  It can be grown as a house plant in a variety of soils, providing good drainage is present.  Avoid direct sunlight for extended periods of time.  Filtered sun is a better option.  Allowing soil to dry between deep waterings, but don't allow the soil to dry completely.  Being a tropical plant, high humidity is beneficial.  Consider misting on a regular basis to maintain a humid atmosphere.  Pruning the tips of the branches will encourage more dense foliage and additional branching.  Outside of the tropics, it will rarely bloom.

Some insects affecting this plant include aphids, scale, mealybugs, whiteflies, and nematodes.  Over moist soil may cause root rot.  Too dry soil may attract mites.

All parts of this plant are poisonous.  It will cause low toxicity of eaten.  Skin irritation is minor, only lasting a few minutes.

 

See this plant in the following landscape:
Cultivars / Varieties:
Polpscias balfouriana, Polyscias fruiticosa
Tags:
#evergreen#poisonous#houseplant#shrub#interiorscape#winter interest
 
Cultivars / Varieties:
Polpscias balfouriana, Polyscias fruiticosa
Tags:
#evergreen#poisonous#houseplant#shrub#interiorscape#winter interest
  • Attributes:
    Genus:
    Polyscias
    Family:
    Araliaceae
    Life Cycle:
    Woody
    Recommended Propagation Strategy:
    Stem Cutting
    Country Or Region Of Origin:
    Tropical Africa to Pacific
    Dimensions:
    Height: 6 ft. 0 in. - 8 ft. 0 in.
    Width: 2 ft. 0 in. - 3 ft. 0 in.
  • Whole Plant Traits:
    Plant Type:
    Houseplant
    Poisonous
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Habit/Form:
    Erect
    Maintenance:
    Low
  • Cultural Conditions:
    Light:
    Full sun (6 or more hours of direct sunlight a day)
    Partial Shade (Direct sunlight only part of the day, 2-6 hours)
    Soil Texture:
    Loam (Silt)
    Sand
    Soil Drainage:
    Good Drainage
    Available Space To Plant:
    3 feet-6 feet
    USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
    11a, 11b, 12a, 12b
  • Fruit:
    Fruit Type:
    Drupe
  • Flowers:
    Flower Color:
    Gold/Yellow
    White
    Flower Value To Gardener:
    Showy
    Flower Size:
    < 1 inch
    Flower Description:
    Small, pale yellow to white, in rounded clusters. A seasonal bloomer.
  • Leaves:
    Woody Plant Leaf Characteristics:
    Broadleaf Evergreen
    Leaf Color:
    Green
    Variegated
    White
    Leaf Type:
    Compound (Pinnately , Bipinnately, Palmately)
    Leaf Arrangement:
    Alternate
    Leaf Shape:
    Lanceolate
    Ovate
    Leaf Margin:
    Serrate
    Hairs Present:
    No
    Leaf Description:
    Alternate, pinnately divided leaves with 3-7 toothed leaflets, variegated with white.
  • Stem:
    Stem Is Aromatic:
    No
    Stem Description:
    Slender, upright branches
  • Landscape:
    Landscape Location:
    Container
    Houseplants
    Landscape Theme:
    Winter Garden
    Design Feature:
    Accent
    Hedge
    Specimen
    Problems:
    Contact Dermatitis
    Poisonous to Humans
  • Poisonous to Humans:
    Poison Severity:
    Low
    Poison Symptoms:
    CAUSES ONLY LOW TOXICITY IF EATEN. SKIN IRRITATION MINOR, OR LASTING ONLY FOR A FEW MINUTES. Irritation of the mouth, dilated pupils, stomach pain, nausea, vomiting; skin irritation following repeated contact.
    Poison Toxic Principle:
    Saponic glycosides and possibly others.
    Causes Contact Dermatitis:
    Yes
    Poison Part:
    Flowers
    Leaves
    Roots
    Stems