Rescuing a Ming Aralia (Polyscias) Losing Leaves in Winter

Diagnosing Light, Water, and Potting Issues

A Ming aralia losing leaves with limp (not dry or mushy) foliage and bone-dry soil is suffering from insufficient light (plastic on north window blocks too much) and underwatering. The decorative pot without drainage holes and rocks at the bottom worsens the problem.

Immediate Fixes

1. Remove plastic window covering—aralias need bright, indirect light.
2. Repot into a plastic pot with drainage holes just large enough for the rootball (minus rocks). Double-pot inside the decorative container.
3. Water when top half-inch of soil is dry—don’t let it go bone dry.
4. Prune lanky stems to where you want new growth.
5. Keep above 60°F; humidity is not critical.

Never plant directly in pots without drainage. Double-potting is the correct method for decorative containers.