It is natural to demand the most from your houseplants. Aside from being easy on the eyes, they must also have medicinal properties. Polyscias Fruticosa or Ming Aralia is one such plant. Ornamentally superb and medically rich, the Polyscias Fruticosa plant is grown from India to Polynesia for its many merits.
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Ming Aralia: Facts
| Botanical name: Polyscias Fruticosa
Common name: Ming Aralia, Dinner Plate Aralia Family: Araliaceae Native: India, Polynesia Plant type: Shrub Sun: Full exposure to partial shade Soil: Well-draining Watering: Moderate Medicinal use: High Toxicity: To pets |
With its feathery foliage, deep green leaves and unique woody stalk, this one is a show stealer. Since they branch out horizontally, they are apt for Bonsai. A hardy shrub, Ming Aralia grows in abundance in urban thickets, lowlands, abandoned fields, roadsides and undisturbed areas near villages in its native zones.
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Growing tips
An easy-to-grow evergreen plant, Ming Aralia is a great choice for beginners. It is also a great choice for indoors. You can grow it in a small container through cuttings. Dip the cuttings in water, followed by rooting hormones. Use well-draining soil to plant these cutting.
Care
- Fertilise the plant at least thrice a year, between March and October.
- Wipe off any dust, dirt or debris with a clean, damp cloth.
- Look out for infestation and signs of spider mites, scale or mealybugs.
- Overwatering is harmful to the plant and would result in root rot.
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Use and benefits
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In traditional medicine, various parts of the shrub, including leaves and roots, are used to treat ailments due to their anti-inflammatory, anti-toxin, anti-dysentery, anti-bacterial, diuretic and febrifuge properties. Due to its great herbal properties, the root of this plant is eaten raw or boiled with curries in Thailand. In Ghana, it is used as a traditional remedy for asthma.
FAQs
Is Polyscias an indoor plant?
Yes, Polyscias can be grown indoors.
Is the Polyscias plant poisonous?
No, on the contrary, the plant is widely used in traditional medicine for its various healing properties. However, the plant contains saponin glycosides, which may cause digestive problems and skin inflammation.
How often should you water a Polyscias?
In the summer, regular watering is needed. Make sure that the soil dries out between watering or the plant could face root rot.
Does Polyscias Fruticosa need sunlight?
The plant needs full sun exposure to partial shade for healthy growth.
