False Aralia
plerandra elegantissima
Also known as: ["Schefflera elegantissima","Dizygotheca elegantissima"]
Overview
A tropical evergreen shrub or small tree with elegant, deeply lobed, dark green leaves that create a striking architectural form.
Benefits & Perks
["aesthetic foliage","shade tolerant"]
Botanical Classification
| Phylum: | Magnoliophyta |
| Class: | Magnoliopsida |
| Order: | Apiales |
| Family: | Araliaceae |
| Genus: | Plerandra |
| Botanical Name: | Plerandra elegantissima |
Plant Characteristics
Basic Information
- Category: Leaf Plants
- Suitable Location: indoor pot in a bright room with high humidity
- Suitable For:
- Is Weed: No
- Allergenicity: low
Environmental Needs
- Climate: {"temperatureRange":"18–27°C"}
- Hardiness: {"zones":"10–11"}
- Misting: every 2–3 days, especially in dry indoor environments to maintain humidity
- Drainage: Fast-draining to prevent waterlogging.
- Soil Type: Well-draining potting mix with peat, perlite, and organic matter.
Maintenance Level
- Maintenance Level: moderate
- Toughness Level: moderate
- Pruning Frequency: As needed, typically every 6–12 months; after flowering if applicable.
- Pruning Intensity: Moderate; remove up to one-third of growth if necessary.
Care Details
Ideal Sunlight Coverage:
Bright indirect light for 6–8 hours daily; adjust to lower light in winter to prevent leaf burn.
Sunlight Tolerance Tips:
Gradually acclimate to brighter light to avoid scorching; place in a spot with filtered light; avoid direct sunlight, especially in summer.
Care Requirements
Care Difficulty
moderatemoderate
Sunlight
bright, indirect light
Rotate plant weekly for even growth; use sheer curtains to filter intense light; monitor for signs of light stress.
Watering
every 7–10 days, allowing soil to dry slightly between waterings
Water deeply to encourage root growth; allow soil to dry partially between waterings; avoid overwatering.
Soil
well-draining, peat-based potting mix
pH: Slightly acidic to neutral (pH 5.5–7.0).
Use a mix designed for tropical plants; avoid heavy garden soil; ensure pots have drainage holes.
Temperature
Prefers 65–75°F (18–24°C); tolerates 50–85°F (10–29°C); prefers stable temperatures year-round.
Avoid sudden temperature changes; maintain consistent room temperature; protect from drafts.
Fertilizing
every 4–6 weeks during active growth (spring and summer), with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength
Fertilize only when actively growing; flush soil occasionally to prevent salt buildup; avoid overfertilizing.
Propagation
Methods
Stem cuttings with at least one node; air layering for larger specimens.
Step-by-Step Propagation Guide
- Select healthy stem.
- Cut below a node.
- Apply rooting hormone.
- Place in medium.
- Maintain humidity.
Best Time: Spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing.
Environment
High humidity (70–90%); warm temperatures (70–80°F or 21–27°C); indirect light.
Medium
Well-draining mix of peat, perlite, and sand; or moist sphagnum moss.
Hormone
Recommended to use rooting hormone for faster root development.
Timeline
Roots may develop in 4–8 weeks; new growth in 2–3 months.
Tools Needed
Pruning shears, rooting hormone, plastic bag or propagator, misting bottle.
Quick Tips
Keep cuttings out of direct sun; maintain consistent moisture; check for roots after 3–4 weeks.
Pruning & Repotting
Pruning Guide
Method
Selective pruning of stems; pinch back tips for bushier growth.
Pruning Plan
Remove dead or leggy growth to maintain shape and encourage bushier growth; prune to control size.
Tools
Clean, sharp pruning shears, disinfectant.
Checklist
Disinfect tools; prune during active growth; remove dead/damaged parts; shape evenly.
Repotting Guide
Best Season
Spring, before the active growing season begins.
Pot Size
Choose a pot 1–2 inches larger in diameter than the current one.
Method
Remove plant gently; trim roots if needed; place in new pot with fresh soil; water lightly.
Suggestions
Repot every 2–3 years or when roots outgrow the pot; use fresh soil to replenish nutrients.
Checklist
Check root bound status; prepare new pot with drainage; use fresh soil mix; water after repotting.
Advanced Care Tips
Watering Mastery
Watering Checklist
Check soil moisture; water thoroughly; ensure proper drainage; adjust for season.
How to Apply Water Properly
Water directly at the root zone until water drains from the bottom; ensure even moisture without waterlogging; water in the morning to reduce evaporation.
Watering Schedule Tips
Water thoroughly when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry; reduce frequency in winter to prevent root rot.
Soil Improvement
Add perlite or sand for drainage; incorporate compost for fertility; ensure aeration with chunky ingredients.
Temperature Stress Management
Signs of Temperature Issues
Leaf drop, yellowing, or wilting; stunted growth; bud drop.
Cold Stress
Slows growth; may cause leaf discoloration; increases susceptibility to pests and diseases.
Solution: Move to a warmer location; insulate pots; avoid placing near drafty windows or cold surfaces.
Hot Stress
Leaf scorch, wilting, or browning; reduced vigor; increased water demand.
Solution: Provide shade during peak heat; increase humidity; water more frequently but avoid waterlogging.
Fertilizing Guide
Fertilizing Checklist
Check growth phase; dilute fertilizer correctly; apply to moist soil; avoid contact with leaves.
Fertilizing Method
Use balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength every 4–6 weeks during growing season (spring/summer); cease in fall/winter.
Common Problems & Solutions
Toxicity Warning
Cats
ToxicCats are highly sensitive to the toxins in Plerandra elegantissima. Ingestion can result in severe gastrointestinal distress and potential systemic toxicity, with effects that may be more pronounced due to their smaller size and unique metabolism.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Dogs
ToxicIn dogs, ingestion of Plerandra elegantissima can lead to severe gastrointestinal upset and potential systemic toxicity. The plant's toxic compounds can cause irritation and inflammation in the digestive tract, with possible secondary effects on other organs.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Humans
ToxicPlerandra elegantissima contains toxic compounds that can cause significant physiological distress upon ingestion. The plant's leaves and berries are particularly harmful, leading to gastrointestinal and neurological effects due to the presence of saponins and other irritants.
⚠️ Symptoms:
🌿 Toxic Parts:
⚡ Toxic If:
if eaten
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How much light does False Aralia need?
A: It thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light conditions.
Q: How often should I water False Aralia?
A: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry, allowing excess water to drain to prevent root rot.
Q: Why are the leaves of my False Aralia turning yellow?
A: Yellow leaves can indicate overwatering, underwatering, or exposure to direct sunlight.
Quick Reference
| Family: | Araliaceae |
| Care: | moderate |
| Light: | bright, indirect light |
| Water: | every 7–10 days, allowing so |
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