Question
How much water does this plant need?
Thank-you

Answer
These are THIRSTY plants, Ming Aralias.  The trick is to give the frail, finicky roots enough without giving it too much.  This is not a plant that grows an extensive root system.  It takes a very Green thumb to succeed with an Aralia.

Ming Aralia ('Polyscias fruticosa' to botanists)

The late garden columnist George Ebert had a thing or two to say about this plant: '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.'  You can read his advice here:

http://www.rhapisgardens.com/ming-aralias/

Mings are hypersensitive to inexperienced watering regimes.  Few potted plants are so fussy.  Aralias drop leaves in a heartbeat, overeacting to the stress of the most innocent over- or under-watering technique.  Like they say in Iraq, stay the course, and do the best you can.  If in doubt, let the Soil be a little dryer rather than wet, or root rot will wipe out the entire plant with no chance of recovery.

Thanks for asking.