MING ARALIA

[Harriet]

I have a very old and healthy Ming Aralia.
But it is very tall, about 7 feet high. I prune every spring, but not rigorously. Should I perhaps prune a branch to encourage new growth on the lower part of the plant or would that hurt the Aralia? Thanks.

 

[Marck]

Greetings, welcome to the Forums.

Ming Aralia (Polyscias fruticosa) will usually sprout readily from below a pruning cut. This could be attempted at anytime indoors, though Spring would be ideal, especially if you want to try to root the cut stems.
I do encourage you to try rooting semi-hardwood stem cuttings from your plant in a fast draining potting mix with the aid of a rooting hormone. This will give you additional plants for yourself or as gifts for friends

 

[Harriet]

Greetings, welcome to the Forums.

Ming Aralia (Polyscias fruticosa) will usually sprout readily from below a pruning cut. This could be attempted at anytime indoors, though Spring would be ideal, especially if you want to try to root the cut stems.
I do encourage you to try rooting semi-hardwood stem cuttings from your plant in a fast draining potting mix with the aid of a rooting hormone. This will give you additional plants for yourself or as gifts for friends

Thank you, Marck. Mine grows very fast, and I have several offspring from cuttings, but never cut hardwood, just greenery. I am just a little worried about cutting a branch, but maybe I will in the spring. The branch I have in mind is tall and has leaves only at the top, so gives the plant a spindly look.