Aralia Care in the desert
Aralia Care in Phoenix: Ming Aralias and Aralia Fabians
Aralias are graceful, elegant plants known for their delicate, fern-like leaves and tree-like form. The most common varieties—Ming Aralia (Polyscias fruticosa) and Aralia Fabian (Polyscias scutellaria)—make striking indoor plants that add texture and height to your collection. While they look tropical, they adapt surprisingly well to Phoenix homes when given consistent care and protection from intense sunlight.
Light
Aralias prefer bright, indirect light. Too much direct Arizona sun can burn their fine leaves, while too little light leads to sparse, leggy growth. Place them near an east or north-facing window or a few feet back from a bright south-facing one.
They can tolerate a bit of morning sun but should be shaded from the strong afternoon rays in Phoenix summers.
Watering
Aralias appreciate consistent moisture, but they’re sensitive to overwatering. Allow the top 2 inches of soil to drybefore watering again. Water thoroughly each time until water drains from the pot, then empty the saucer.
In Phoenix:
Summer: Water roughly every 5-7 days
Winter: Water every 7-14 days, or as needed based on dryness
Avoid letting the plant sit in soggy soil, which can lead to root rot.
Soil & Repotting
Use a light, well-draining indoor potting mix—one formulated for tropical plants or amended with perlite and bark chips. Repot every 2 years or when roots fill the pot.
If you’re unsure how to safely repot, Maricopa Botanicals offers repotting services and can refresh your soil to match Phoenix’s dry climate conditions.
Humidity & Temperature
Aralias love humidity and warmth. In Phoenix, they’ll thrive indoors where temperatures stay between 65–85°F. To counteract the dry air:
Mist the leaves occasionally
Use a small humidifier nearby
Group plants together to increase humidity naturally
Keep away from cold drafts or direct blasts of air from AC vents.
Pruning & Growth
Regular pruning helps maintain a full, bushy shape. Trim back any leggy or bare stems to encourage new growth. Aralias are naturally slow growers, so be patient—they can live for years and mature into elegant indoor “mini trees.”
Fertilizing
Feed monthly in spring and summer using our Maricopa Botanicals house-made fertilizer, which supports steady growth without overwhelming their delicate root systems. Pause feeding during cooler months when growth slows.
Common Issues
Leaf drop: Often caused by sudden changes in temperature, drafts, or underwatering.
Yellowing leaves: Usually due to overwatering or poor drainage.
Dry or crispy tips: Low humidity or too much direct sunlight.
Use our house-made leaf cleaner to keep foliage dust-free and help the plant absorb more light.
Propagation
Aralias can be propagated through stem cuttings in water or moist soil, though patience is key—they root slowly. If you’d prefer, bring your plant to Maricopa Botanicals, and we can propagate it safely for you.
Final Thoughts
Ming Aralias and Aralia Fabians add graceful height and texture to your home. They thrive with bright, indirect light, moderate watering, and a bit of humidity—making them surprisingly well-suited for Phoenix interiors.
For personalized help, visit Maricopa Botanicals for repotting, propagation, and natural plant care products made to support tropical plants in desert homes.