The Japanese Ming Aralia (a.k.a. the Ming tree) has a reputation for being temperamental and sensitive. They enjoy a warm humid climate, as they are native to Hawaii. I have a special love and for these trees. Over the years, I have cared for many. I find them to be graceful and elegant yet strong and resilient.
When I moved to the dry Arizona climate from the humid conditions of the east coast, I thought my relationship with these beauties would end. I did manage to find a double trunk six-footer growing in a greenhouse in Phoenix. She was stunning and vital. When I asked her name, she told me it was Grace. I took her to my home, which at the time was cooled by an evaporative cooler. This type of cooling made up for the humidly that Arizona typically lacks. She was extremely happy facing west with the softer light of sunset. She thrived in that spot for years and grew to be a profound presence in my life,
It came time for me to move from this house to a much smaller place. This new apartment had traditional air conditioning and faced north. I was concerned for her but we had to make the move. In a short period, she began to struggle a bit but seemed to be managing or so I thought. She started dropping her leaves. More and more leaves fell each week until only a few remained. I could see that she was trying to grow new shoots but each time she did they would fall. In hindsight, I began to give her more water than she required in compensation for the lack of humidity. Over this time, I would communicate with her and let her know that if she felt it were her time I would respect her decision.
I knew I needed to take an action to give her the best possible chance of recovery. One of her trunks was completely gone. I took that part of her to the beautiful forest of Arizona and laid that half to rest. The other had two tiny dots of green shoots attempting new growth. My sense was that any sign of green meant there was life and if there is life, there is hope. I went and bought her fresh soil and a new planter to surround her delicate roots. It was smaller because she was now single trunk without her other half. I added the homeopathic remedy silica for strength and arnica for all the shock of transplanting, as well as pure crystal quartz to the soil. I moved her from behind my desk to directly across from our beautiful mountain view. I communicated to her that it was completely her choice to stay or leave and again I would respect her decision.
Over the next few weeks, I began to see tiny green shoots still very close to the bark. I was not certain if the new growth would fall again as before. I watched over her closely and the shoots were indeed developing into leaves. Her new life was beginning. I was elated beyond words that my beloved Grace decided to make a comeback. I will continue to support her giving her all the love and care she requires.
In these trying times, we are all searching for the light in the world; Grace has shown me that with love, patience and some heartfelt effort, a new world awaits us all. Nature will always point us in the direction of the light.