Question
I have a Ming Aralia that has been healthy for several years. I moved to a new office facing northwest, so the light is different, and the plant began losing leaves drastically. The remaining leaves also have brown spots on them. Do I need to fertilize or take some other action?
Thank you.

Answer
Ming Aralia -- 'Polyscias fruticosa' to botanists -- is an undemanding tropical houseplant that prefers warm temps and high humidity.

Notes the late garden columnist George Ebert, 'Neglect of watering will cause the loss of leaves, but the plants can stand some drought without permanent damage and grow new leaves very quickly.' (http://www.rhapisgardens.com/ming-aralias/).

On the same website, Lynn McKamey notes: 'I am constantly amazed at the people who call me, in a panic because their old cherished Aralia is suddenly dropping leaves and dying.  When quizzed, they tell me that they may have had the plant several years, but never repotted it or given it fresh soil.  This is like wearing the same clothes for several years and never washing them!  Check your plant from top to bottom every year or so.'

Who knew?

McKamey elaborates: 'If you've had your Aralia for quite a while (with no problems) and it suddenly starts dropping leaves, don't panic yet.  Is it getting new leaves at the tips?  If so, then this is a routine leaf drop (just like your yard trees each year) and it should grow new ones back very quicky - this may not happen in the fall - we've seen it happen in the spring and various times of the year.  If you do not see new growth anywhere, then I suspect the soil has become old and salty and is killing your Aralia.'

You did not mention anything unusual that this plant may have suffered in transit.  I am wondering at this end, How much transit?  Did you move to a different building?  A mere different floor?  Any environmental change is a prescription for stress, and if there's anything that sets of a Mint Aralia, it's stress.

The 'brown spots' you mention can have many causes, but they often are triggered by low humidity or other moisture problem.  Offices are notoriously dry.  Yet, you have grown this Aralia for YEARS.  Given the facts, it seems we have to dismiss humidity as a problem.  Can you describe the spots and the condition of the leaves they are appearing on?  Does this plant look at all chlorotic, or do the edges of the leaves seem to be turning brown?

Fertilizing potted plants is always tricky, because salts build up so much quicker in the pots they are growing in.  When fertilizing, stick religiously to organic fertilizer.

RSVP and we will get to the bottom of this.  Thanks for writing.