How to Grow and Upkeep False Aralia Plant? (A Descriptive Guide)

Dizygotheca elegantissima also known as the False Aralia plant, is widely used as an indoor plant that is primarily renowned for its attractive foliage. This plant is available in a multitude of varieties and patterns, ensuring that there is no shortage of options among the buyers. 

So, if you are someone looking forward to transforming your indoor space with lush green foliage and gold-edged fluffy leaves, we bring you an exclusive guide on how you can grow and maintain a false Aralia plant. That being said, let’s start with a quick sneak peek into the basic information of the false Aralia plant. 

Quick Run-Through About False Aralia Plant

Scientifically named Dizygotheca elegantissima or Plerandra elegantissima (sometimes), the False Aralia Plant is known for its long, narrow, dark green leaves with tooth edges in coppery color.

Native to New Caledonia, this plant’s leaves particularly belong to a species of flowering plant in the family Araliaceae. Review the preceding paragraph to know in-depth details of this plant.

Notable Key Elements of the False Aralia Plant:

• Common Names: False Aralia, Spider Aralia, Threadleaf Aralia
• Family: Araliaceae
• Origin: Native to the South Pacific
• Height: Typically grows between 6 and 25 feet (8 m) in outdoor conditions; indoors, it can reach about 5 to 6 feet (1.83 m).
• Spread: Can spread from 3 to 15 feet (4.57 m) depending on growing conditions.
• Growth Habit: Upright with a moderate growth rate; often multi-trunked or clumping in nature.
• Flowering: False Aralia produces small, inconspicuous white flowers during summer.
• Fruit: The plant bears small brown fruits that are fleshy and less than half an inch in length.

Overview of False Aralia Plant:

Scientific Name:	Dizygotheca elegantissima or Plerandra Eegantissima
Height	26–49 ft
Growing Season	Spring or Summer
Plant Family	Araliaceae
USDA Zone	10-12
Water Needs	Average
Sun Exposure	Medium to Bright sun exposure
Soil	Clay, Loam, Sand

Several Varieties of False Aralia Plant 

False Aralia is a houseplant and ornamental shrub native to New Caledonia. It has around four distinctive categories, which include:

1. Galaxy False Aralia: This plant has more grouped, glossy, dark green leaves.
2. Variegated Galaxy False Aralia: Shows leaves that are variegated and have yellow or cream borders.
3. Gold Crest False Aralia: This plant is distinguished by its fluffy, gold-edged leaves.
4. Aralia Olympia: Another unusual variation with unique leaf traits. 

The Ultimate 5 False Aralia Plants Recommended By Phytophiles

We have discussed the False Aralia Plant in great detail until now. Now, let’s quickly review this table to learn about some other ecstatic Aralia Plants that will instantly uplift the spirit of your outdoor area, making it a more joyful spot.

1. Ming Aralia

This is one of the popular evergreen houseplants that have fuzzy, finely cut foliage. It is like a fern and typically grows 6 to 8 feet (2.44 m) indoors, likes bright indirect light, thrives in moist, well-drained, acidic soil, and has average humidity. Do not overwater since it may cause root rot. It is toxic to humans and pets if ingested.

2. Fabian Aralia

It is often used as a decorative indoor plant due to its attractive appearance. Similar to Ming Aralia, it prefers bright, indirect light and well-drained soil. Regular pruning helps maintain its shape and encourages bushier growth.

3. Snowflake Ming Aralia

The Snowflake is a variant of the Ming Aralia with unique, variegated leaves and white edges that create a striking contrast to the green foliage. Requires similar care as the standard Aralia plant, including bright indirect light and well-drained soil. It benefits from increased humidity levels.

4. Variegated Balfour Aralia

Balfour Aralia showcases exquisite swirling leaves adorned with green and cream patterns, rendering it an appealing choice for interior settings. Prefers bright indirect light and moist but well-drained soil.

5. Gold Crest False Aralia

Gold Crest False Aralia variety has beautiful variegated leaves with green and cream patterns. It prefers bright indirect light and moist but well-drained soil. Regular misting can help maintain humidity levels.

Specifications Table of 5 False Aralia Plant:

Flower Name	Scientific Name	USDA Growing Zone	Sun Exposure	Soil	Plant Size
Ming Aralia	Polyscias fruticosa	11-12	Partial	Acidic	6-8 ft
Fabian Aralia	Polyscias ‘Fabian’	10-11	Partial Sun	Well-drained	6-9 ft
Snowflake Ming Aralia	Polyscias fruticosa ‘Snowflake Aralia’	10-11	Full Sun	Moist Soil	7-8 ft
Variegated Balfour Aralia	Polyscias balfouriana ‘Marginata’	11-12	Partial Sun	Well-drained	10-15 ft
Gold Crest False Aralia	Plerandra elegantissima ‘Gold Crest’	9-10	Partial Sun	Well-drained	1-3 ft

Elementary Care And Maintenance of False Aralia Plant

Most crucial aspect of cultivating a plant sustainably is the recommended quantity of light, soil, water, temperature, and humidity. Each plant necessitates a specific amount of these elements, here is the full guide on growth and tips of the False Aralia Plant.

1. Light

The best part about a false Aralia plant is that it only requires moderate indirect sunlight of at least 6 hours a day for healthy growth. However, if you are planning to place it outside, it is not advised to place it under direct sunlight for a long period.

2. Soil

Aralia plants tend to grow fully in moist and well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral pH level. So, make sure to plant it in moist soil for its healthy growth.

3. Water

These plants require a steady supply of soil moisture and water for sustained growth. Additionally, excessive water can destroy their longevity, so be cautious while watering them.

4. Temperature and Humidity

The average temperature required for its healthy growth is between 65 and 85 degrees. Furthermore, it grows excessively nutritiously in humid regions around 45 degrees of temperature.

5. Fertilizers

Aralia plants don’t require any specific fertilizer, but using liquid houseplant fertilizer can benefit these specifically during the growing season.

After thoroughly discussing the fundamental care requirements for cultivating a healthy Aralia plant, it is recommended to review the preceding section to ascertain whether it is permissible to cultivate false Aralia plants outdoors.

Interesting Fact: 

If you are unable to locate these plants under the name ‘False Aralia’ in a plant store or greenhouse, look for them under the common names spider Aralia, finger Aralia, and thread leaf Aralia.

Pruning and Propagating Method of False Aralia Plant (Complete Guide) 

The way we keep giving booster doses to our friends to uplift their mood or day; likewise, plants need the same. Pruning and propagating is a way to show our love to them and to ensure their longevity. 

1. Pruning Approach

The pruning procedure can be simplified as the removal of dead branches or leaves to improve the plant’s health and shape. Before grabbing information on how to prune the false Aralia Plant, quickly review why it is important to prune this plant from time to time.

1. Pruning helps in maintaining better longevity of the plant.
2. After pruning, it looks more neat and aesthetically pleasing.
3. Pruning helps in preventing infections, as the infected leaves tend to be cut first during the procedure.
4. This procedure generally helps in giving a kick to stimulate new green-edged leaves. 

Now, let’s review how to prune the plant, precisely read the below-listed paragraph, and make sure to wear gloves while dealing with it.

False Aralia Plant is a slow-growing plant; it is more like low-maintenance friendships that don’t require constant check-ups; you only need to prune it if you want to control the height or manage its bushiness. 

Some people prefer it bushy, while others prefer it as a tree-like structure. If you want a bushy structure, cut its edges at least once a month, and if you prefer a tree-like structure, don’t prune or cut its edges at all. It will automatically shed its lower leaves and take on a tree-like appearance.

2. Propagating Procedure

Propagating False Aralia Plant can be very tricky and difficult. The most common method used for propagating this plant is through its parent plant. Here is the procedure mentioned.

1. Start by sterilizing your tools and grab a pot.
2. Remove extra fledgling leaves from the stem’s base.
3. Prepare a well-draining potting mix (medium moist soil is preferred).
4. Pot the new plant, extracted from the parent plant, into the well-moist soil and add the required fertilizers.
5. Try to keep it near a warm area. (22–24 degrees preferred)

Warning:

The False Aralia Plants are poisonous; hence, keep your children and pets away from them. Additionally, while dealing with it, make sure to wear gloves.

Can We Grow False Aralia Outdoors Also?

Aralia is mainly an indoor plant, but you can still grow them outdoors if your region has temperatures lower than 55 degrees Fahrenheit (ca. 13 °C). Although growing a false Aralia plant needs extra attention and care, it is advisable to grow it as an indoor or houseplant.

Just in case you are planning to plant it outdoors, make sure to follow the below-listed instructions precisely.

1. Never place the plant in direct sunlight, as bright sun rays can cause the tips and edges to turn yellow or brown.
2. This plant requires regular fertilizing and water supply, so you are advised to fertilize it every two weeks with liquid houseplant fertilizer.
3. The Aralia plant doesn’t go well if it is moved again and again; even a sudden change in the location can cause the leaves to drop. 
4. For better longevity, treat the areas near the base of the leaves with a cotton swab dipped in alcohol.

Common Problems While Handling False Aralia Plant

Despite following the instructions precisely, you might go through some common problems during the planting journey. Here are the common obstacles listed; make sure to not panic while witnessing these.

1. False Aralia Plant requires a minimal amount of water, so if you overwater this plant, its leaves are most likely to turn yellow, black, or brown. 
2. Also, this plant is only preferred to grow in humid and warm regions; if you are growing it outdoors, make sure to keep the temperature as mentioned. Otherwise, you can witness falling leaves in chilly conditions.
3. Plants are vulnerable to fungal diseases during humid weather; browning of the leaves is a common sign. Reinstall the plant in a container with better air circulation and apply fungicides based on copper.
4. False Aralia Plant is also susceptible to viruses and diseases, so you must prune the affected areas, trash them away, and disinfect your tools for better results.
5. Aralia Plants have flowers that attract many beetles, so look out for the eggs and crush them. Prepare a neem-based essential oil and spray it daily to maintain the healthy growth of the plant.

Wrapping Up!

The false Aralia plant makes your home beautiful with its slushy green-toothed edges, along with its beautiful texture and long stems. Perhaps the best part is that you can pair it up with different plants inside your space for a more royal look. 

Use the provided information for growing a healthy false Aralia plant. These plants will elevate your home space, and you can make an aesthetically pleasing balcony garden with their vibrant and brightly coloured texture.