Native to Asia, the Aralia family of plants includes more than 80 species of trees and small shrubs. Gardeners grow Aralia plants in the warmest climates, as well as indoors. From the delicate leaves of the Ming variety to the large leaves of the dinner-plate Aralia, the varied specimens provide a low-maintenance houseplant with a tropical feel. Some Aralia houseplants will grow 3 to 5 feet in diameter if left unchecked. Most gardeners prefer to prune the plant to a more manageable size for the indoor garden. Root Aralia plant cuttings in a sterile soil mixture.
Cut a 4-inch-long section of Aralia for rooting. Most cuttings are taken during the normal pruning of the plant. This also helps to encourage new growth on the original plant. Take the cutting when temperatures are at least 72 degrees F. Trim off any leaves on the bottom 2 inches of the cutting.
Dip the cutting in a rooting hormone. Shake off any excess hormone.
Plant the cutting 2 inches deep in a pot that contains well-drained, sterile soil. Select a soil mixture designed for houseplants. Root several cuttings in the same pot. Space the cuttings 1 inch apart.
Mist the cutting, but do not soak the soil. Drenched soil slows root development of the Aralia.
Cover the pot with a clear plastic bag to retain heat and moisture. Position the pot in an area where it receives some sunlight and the temperatures stay between 70 and 75 degrees F.
Remove the bag when the cutting begins to root. Gently pull on the cutting to determine if roots have started to develop. Some Aralia cuttings will begin to root in as little as one week.
Transplant each cutting to its own pot, at least 6 inches in diameter, after roots have developed. Larger pots will support a larger plant, so select a pot based on the plant size you plan to maintain.
Water the Aralia once a week. Let it dry out between waterings.