How to Propagate Polyscias fruticosa (Ming Aralia) by 3 Easy Methods

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Polyscias fruticosa (Ming Aralia) is best propagated at the beginning of the growing season (spring) by air layering or from stem-tip cuttings which can be rooted either in soil or in water. Propagating the plant at this time hastens establishment as it is in the active growth phase.

Polyscias fruticosa is a perennial, evergreen shrub or dwarf tree and bears dark-green, glossy, ferny leaves which droop gracefully from narrow branches that grow straight up and forms a multi-layered beautiful plant.

The leaves have been used as a tonic, anti-inflammatory, antitoxin, and an antibacterial ointment. They have also been proven to aid in digestion and thus, have been used as a spice.

Polyscias fruticosa is easy to propagate. We have herebelow outlined 3 methods by which you can successfully increase your stock of Ming Aralia plants. Keep reading for more on these propagation methods.

1. How to propagate Polyscias fruticosa from stem-tip cuttings in soil

Requirements

• Hand gloves to protect your hands


• Clean, sharp pair of scissors or knife


• 6-10 inches pots


• Rooting hormone (powder)


• Well-drained, potting medium


• Clear polythene sheet or bag


• Watering can and chlorine-free water

Step by step Polyscias fruticosa propagation in soil

1. With a clean, sharp pair of scissors or knife take stem-tip cuttings about 4-6 inches long from a healthy Polyscias fruticosa. Ensure each cutting has some leaf nodes as this is where new growth will come from.


2. Strip off the lower lower leaves and retain at least 2 sets of leaves on top. Allow the sap to dry and then dip the lower cut end cutting in a rooting hormone to hasten rooting.


3. Select a 6-10 inches pot and ensure that there is adequate drainage to prevent the soil from getting soggy to avoid rotting.


4. Fill the container with a free-draining, potting mix, moisten the soil slightly and make a hole in the center. Ensure that the hole is slightly wider than the base of the stem cutting.


5. Insert about 2-3 inches of the lower cut end of the stem cutting in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around the stem cutting while taking care not to bury it too deep.


6. Water the soil thoroughly until water comes out through the drainage hole. To hasten rooting, create a mini-greenhouse by covering the set up with the clear polythene sheet or bag.


7. Ensure the leaves of the cutting do not touch the sheet or bag too much by propping it up with sticks.


8. Place the set up in warm, well-lit spot infront of a large brightly-lit window and maintain the soil moist through out until new growth emerges.


9. Note that the stem cuttings and newly propagated plants rot easily at the base and in the roots therefore do not mist the leaves and maintain the soil moist but not wet.


10. The cuttings will begin to root after 4-6 weeks. You will know the cutting has rooted when you see new growth.


11. Once rooting has taken place, gradually over a period of two weeks, remove the plastic bag cover to acclimate the new plant.


12. Do not transplant the new plants as Ming Aralia does not like to be disturbed. It is advisable to start the cuttings in pots with adequate room for the young plants.


13. In about 3-4 months, there will be adequate root development and you can now begin routine care.

2. How to propagate Polyscias fruticosa from stem-tip cuttings in water

Requirements

• Hand gloves to protect your hands


• Clean, sharp pair of scissors or knife


• Rooting hormone (powder)


• Clear jar of water or a propagation station


• Clear polythene sheet or bag


• Well-drained, potting Mix


• Watering can and chlorine-free water


• Small pots about 8-10 inches

Step by step Polyscias fruticosa propagation in water

1. With a clean, sharp pair of scissors or knife take 4-6 inches long stem-tip cuttings from a healthy Polyscias fruticosa. Make sure it has several leaf nodes as this is where new growth will come from.


2. Strip off the lower leaves and retain at least 2 sets of leaves on top. Dip the lower cut end in a rooting hormone to encourage rooting.


3. Place the cuttings in the jar of chlorine-free water or in a propagation station while ensuring that the base is well submerged but keep the foliage above the water surface.


4. Cover the set up with the clear polythene sheet or bag to create a greenhouse effect and to maintain warm humid conditions to hasten rooting.


5. Place the set up in a warm, well-lit spot away from direct sunlight to prevent scorching. Change the water every 5-7 days to keep it fresh as well as prevent fungal growth.


6. When a good amount of roots have formed on the cuttings in about 5-6 weeks, gradually remove the polythene to acclimate the new plants to ordinary growing conditions.


7. Transfer the rooted cuttings into individual pots in moist, well-drained soil. Make sure to to start the cuttings in pots with adequate room for the growth of the new plants as Ming Aralia does not like too frequent repotting.


8. Position the set up in a warm, well-lit place away from direct sunlight and maintain the soil moist throught out. In about 3-4 months, there will be adequate root development. At this point you can begin routine care.

3. How to Propagate Polyscias fruticosa by air layering

Requirements

• Hand gloves to protect your hands


• Clean, sharp knife


• Rooting hormone (powder)


• Damp moss


• Polythene film or plastic wrap


• Well-drained, potting Mix


• Watering can and chlorine-free water


• Small pots about 8-10 inches

Step by step air-layering of Polyscias fruticosa

1. With a sharp knife notch the stem of a healthy Polyscias fruticosa and coat the notched area with a rooting hormone to enhance rooting.


2. Surround the notched area with damp moss and cover the notch with a polythene film or clear plastic wrap.


3. Maintain the moss moist through out and allow some time for roots to develop in the notched area.


4. After the roots have formed and are about 2 inches long, the stem is now ready to be seperated from the mother plant.


5. Sever the stem just below the covered part with a sharp, sterlized knife. New shoots will sprout from the shortened stem of the mother plant.


6. Remove the polythene or plastic wrap and get ready to pot the rooted stem cutting.


7. Select a 6-10 inches pot and ensure that the pot has a drainage hole to prevent the soil from getting soggy as it can lead to rotting. Ensure to to start the cuttings in pots with adequate room for the growth of the new plants as Ming Aralia does not prefer too frequent repotting.


8. Fill the pot with well-drained soil, slightly moisten the soil and make a hole in the center of the pot. Make sure that the hole is slightly wider than the root base of the cutting.


9. Place the rooted cutting in the previously made hole and lightly firm the soil around the base of the stem while taking care not to bury it too deep.


10. Water the soil thoroughly and place the set up in a well-lit, warm place until the new plant is well established after which you can begin routine care.

Polyscias fruticosa Plant Care

Polyscias fruticosa flourishes in bright light, average warmth of 18-28⁰, humidity of 55-65% and moderately moist, fertile, well-drained, all purpose potting soils coupled with monthly feeding during the growing season.

Ming Aralia requires regular pruning to keep it neat, promote a bushy growth and rejuvenate growth. Repotting is needed every 2-3 years when it has outgrown its pot as it grows best when pot-bound. Read more on how to grow and care for Polyscias fruticosa (Ming Aralia).

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