Q In 1982, my mom and I purchased this houseplant. Can you identify it? Kevin Wicks STOUTSVILLE, MISSOURI

Melinda: Your mother’s prize Ming aralia is doing so well! This was a popular plant during the houseplant explosion of the ’70s. It is nice to see such a wonderful specimen. As you have discovered, this plant grows best in bright light; prefers moist, not soggy, soil and warm temperatures year-round; and requires little care. If needed, fertilize only a couple of times between spring and fall with a dilute solution of houseplant fertilizer. Prune the plants in late winter to control the size and to encourage denser growth.