False Aralia
Plerandra elegantissima
False Aralia is an evergreen shrub with narrow, serrated leaflets that fan out like slender fingers. New growth often starts coppery red, then deepens to dark green or burgundy. With steady humidity and bright filtered light, it can grow into a tall indoor specimen.
Light
Bright Indirect
Water
Moderate
Difficulty
Moderate
Humidity
High
Pet Warning
Contains saponins; ingestion can cause mild gastrointestinal upset, vomiting, and skin irritation in cats, dogs, and humans.
Care Notes
Light
Provide bright, filtered light. Direct rays can burn the thin leaflets. A north or east window is often a good fit.
Water
Keep the soil evenly moist but never soggy. Lukewarm water is gentler on the roots. In winter, water less.
Soil
Use a rich, peat-based mix with excellent drainage. A planter with drainage holes helps prevent root rot.
Humidity & Temperature
High humidity matters for this plant. Group plants, mist, or run a humidifier to reduce leaf drop. Keep temperatures between 65°F and 85°F (18°C-29°C); sudden drops below 60°F can strip foliage.
Common Issues
Leaf drop often follows a move or uneven watering. Watch for spider mites and scale, especially in dry air.
In-Depth Care & Growth
Feeding & Soil
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer (20-20-20)
Soil
Rich, peat-based potting soil with excellent drainage.
Physical Attributes
Mature Size
4-6 feet tall indoors
Growth Rate
Moderate
Propagation
Propagation is most successful through stem-tip cuttings or air layering during the spring.
Common Varieties
Gold Crest
Slender, deeply serrated leaflets with golden-yellow margins against dark green or bronzed centers.
Galaxy
Compact, with slender serrated palmate leaves from dark forest green to nearly black bronze.
Castor
Broader, deeply serrated hand-shaped leaflets in rich forest green with a soft bronze sheen.
Bianca
Narrow serrated leaflets with dark green centers and creamy-white margins that may blush pink.