Ming aralia (Polyscias fruticosa) can be easily propagated through cuttings. I have personally propagated Ming aralia several times and have had great success with this method. It’s a wonderful way to expand your collection or share this beautiful plant with friends and family.
To propagate a Ming aralia through cuttings, here’s what you need to do:
1. Select a healthy parent plant: Choose a mature, healthy Ming aralia plant with no signs of disease or pests. Look for a stem that is about 4-6 inches long and has several sets of leaves.
2. Prepare the cutting: Using clean, sharp pruning shears or a knife, make a clean cut just below a leaf node. A leaf node is where a leaf is attached to the stem. This is where new roots will form.
3. Remove lower leaves: Remove the leaves from the lower half of the cutting, leaving only a few sets of leaves at the top. This helps reduce water loss and encourages root growth.
4. Optional: Apply rooting hormone (optional): While not necessary, you can dip the cut end of the stem in a rooting hormone powder or gel. This can help stimulate root development and increase the chances of success.
5. Prepare the rooting medium: Fill a small pot or container with a well-draining rooting medium. A mix of perlite and peat moss or a commercial seed-starting mix works well. Moisten the medium slightly, ensuring it is damp but not soaking wet.
6. Plant the cutting: Make a small hole in the rooting medium and gently insert the cut end of the stem into the hole. Firmly press the medium around the stem to hold it in place.
7. Provide appropriate care: Place the potted cutting in a warm and bright location, but away from direct sunlight. Mist the cutting with water to maintain humidity, but avoid over-watering. Keep the rooting medium slightly moist, but not saturated.
8. Monitor and wait: Over the next several weeks, keep a close eye on the cutting. New growth and roots should start to appear after a few weeks. Be patient, as it can take some time for the roots to develop.
9. Transplanting: Once the cutting has developed a sufficient root system and new growth, it can be transplanted into a larger pot with well-draining soil. Gradually acclimate the plant to its new environment by increasing its exposure to sunlight and reducing humidity.
Propagation by cuttings is a rewarding and cost-effective way to propagate Ming aralia. It allows you to create new plants that are genetically identical to the parent plant, ensuring you’ll have more of these beautiful specimens to enjoy. Give it a try, and you’ll be amazed at how easy and successful it can be!
