Overview
Polyscias subcapitata Kanehira is a tropical plant species commonly known as the Feather Aralia or Ming Aralia. It is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the Araliaceae family that is native to Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. It has since been introduced to other regions as an ornamental houseplant. The plant is known for its feather-like foliage and its ease of cultivation.
Appearance
The Feather Aralia can grow up to 2 meters in height and has a multi-branched stem. Its leaves are pinnate, meaning they are feather-like with multiple leaflets, that can grow up to 25 cm in length. The young leaves can be bronze to dark green, while older leaves can become yellow or white due to lack of light exposure. The plant produces clusters of small flowers that can grow up to 8 mm in width, and its berries can be purple or black, each containing 1-2 seeds.
Uses
Polyscias subcapitata Kanehira is commonly used as an indoor ornamental plant due to its ease of care and unique foliage. It can be grown as a bonsai, trellised, or pruned into a specific shape. Its leaves are used in traditional medicine for its anti-inflammatory properties. The plant is also known to purify indoor air, making it a popular choice as a natural air freshener. The berries of the plant are edible, but they are not commonly consumed.
Cultivation
The Feather Aralia thrives in bright to moderate indirect sunlight, making it an ideal plant for indoor settings. It prefers well-draining soil that is kept moist, but not waterlogged. The plant can tolerate periods of dry soil, but overwatering can lead to root rot. It can be propagated through stem cuttings or layering. Pruning is necessary to maintain its shape and promote bushier growth. The plant can benefit from occasional fertilization during the growing season.
Light Requirements
Polyscias subcapitata Kanehira requires bright, indirect sunlight to grow properly. Direct sunlight can damage the leaves, causing them to turn yellow or brown. The plant will thrive in a north or east-facing window that receives at least 4-6 hours of light daily. If the plant is kept in a south or west-facing window, it must be shielded from the direct sun. Fluorescent lights can also be used to supplement natural light, particularly in areas with low light conditions.
Temperature Requirements
The plant prefers warm temperatures between 60-75°F (15-24°C). It can tolerate temperatures outside this range, but it will not grow as quickly. The plant should be protected from sudden temperature changes and drafts, as these can cause stress to the plant and negatively affect its growth. In the winter months, it is best to keep the plant away from cold windows and doors that may cause a drop in temperatures.
Soil Requirements
Polyscias subcapitata Kanehira requires a well-draining soil mix that has a neutral to slightly acidic pH between 6.0 and 7.0. The soil should be rich in organic matter to promote healthy growth. A recommended soil mix is equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and coarse sand. The plant should be repotted every 2-3 years or when its roots have outgrown the pot. It is recommended to add fresh soil mix during repotting to provide the plant with nutrients.
Cultivation methods
Polyscias subcapitata Kanehira is native to the temperate regions of China, Taiwan, Japan, and South Korea. Therefore, it is best to cultivate it in similar climatic conditions. It thrives in partial shade to full shade with well-draining soil. This plant can be propagated through stem cuttings or layering. The ideal temperature range for the plant is between 18-25°C.
Watering needs
Polyscias subcapitata Kanehira requires moderate watering throughout the growing season, but it is essential to avoid overwatering. The soil should be slightly damp but not waterlogged as it can lead to yellowing of the leaves and root rot. Ensure that the plant has good drainage, and check the soil's moisture level before watering.
Fertilization
To promote adequate growth, a balanced fertilizer is recommended for Polyscias subcapitata Kanehira. It should be applied every four to six weeks during the growing season. Use a complete fertilizer with equal parts nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Avoid using fertilizers high in nitrogen as they can lead to excessive leaf growth at the expense of the stems.
Pruning
Prune Polyscias subcapitata Kanehira regularly to maintain its shape and size. This plant is known for its dense foliage, so it is important to remove any dead, damaged, or diseased stems to prevent the spread of diseases. You can also pinch back the tips of the stems to promote bushier growth. Pruning should be done in the spring or fall to avoid harming new growth.
Propagation of Polyscias subcapitata Kanehira
Polyscias subcapitata Kanehira, also known as the Ming fern, is a popular houseplant known for its attractive foliage. It is easy to care for and relatively easy to propagate. There are three common methods for propagating Polyscias subcapitata Kanehira: seed propagation, stem cutting propagation, and air layering propagation.
Seed propagation
Seed propagation is the most challenging method for propagating Polyscias subcapitata Kanehira. This is because the seeds are small and slow to germinate. However, if you are patient, this method can produce new Ming ferns.
To propagate Polyscias subcapitata Kanehira from seeds – fill a shallow tray or pot with sterile, well-draining soil mix. Sow the seeds on the surface, and then cover them with a thin layer of soil. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged and place the tray in a warm and bright spot. Maturation and germination of the seeds may take up to a couple of months.
Stem cutting propagation
Stem cutting propagation is the most commonly used method for propagating Polyscias subcapitata Kanehira. It is considered easy and reliable, especially When using healthy stems that have a few leaves and nodes.
To propagate Polyscias subcapitata Kanehira from stem cuttings – identify a healthy, mature stem with at least two nodes and a few leaves. Using a sharp and clean pair of scissors, cut at an angle just below the lowest node. Plant the cutting in a pot with well-draining soil and keep it moist and in bright, indirect light. Provide some humidity, like enclosing the plant with a clear plastic bag and keep it open for some hours each day.
Air layering propagation
Air layering propagation is another method for propagating Polyscias subcapitata Kanehira, which involves creating new plants by separating branches from the parent plant. This method takes much more time, effort, and knowledge, but it creates a beautiful, mature plant, not from scratch.
To propagate Polyscias subcapitata Kanehira through air layering, follow these steps – find a mature, healthy stem with a few leaves and no signs of disease or stress. Cut away a thin layer of bark around the stem, just below a node and cover the exposed section with rooting hormone or a moisture-retaining substance like sphagnum moss. Wrap plastic around the stem, securing the ends with tape. Provide lighting that is similar to the parent plant and keep it moist. In a few months, the roots would have grown, and you can cut the new plant from the parent plant and repot it.
Disease and Pest Management for Polyscias subcapitata Kanehira
Polyscias subcapitata Kanehira, commonly known as Ming aralia, is a popular houseplant that is prized for its lush green foliage. However, like all plants, it is susceptible to a range of diseases and pests. Here are some common problems that you may encounter with your Ming aralia and how to manage them:
Diseases that affect Polyscias subcapitata Kanehira
The most common diseases that affect Ming aralias are fungal and bacterial infections. Symptoms of these diseases include brown spots on the leaves, leaf drop, and a general decline in plant health. To manage fungal and bacterial infections, it is important to keep the plant's environment clean and dry. Avoid overwatering and provide good air circulation around the plant. If the infection is severe, you may need to use a fungicide or bactericide to treat the plant.
Pests that affect Polyscias subcapitata Kanehira
Ming aralias are also vulnerable to a range of pests, including spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests can cause damage to the leaves, stems, and foliage of the plant, leading to a decline in health. To manage pest infestations, it is important to identify the pest and use the appropriate treatment. For example, spider mites can be controlled by washing the plant down with a strong stream of water or by using an insecticidal soap. Mealybugs and scale insects can be treated with neem oil or insecticidal soap.
It is also important to inspect new plants carefully before bringing them into your home or greenhouse. Pests can easily hitch a ride on new plants, and if they are not caught early, they can quickly spread to other plants in your collection. Regular inspection and monitoring of your plants can help you catch pest infestations early and keep your Ming aralias healthy and thriving.
