Plerandra elegantissima
Plerandra elegantissima
False aralia
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Taxonomy
Family Araliaceae · Genus Plerandra
Description
Plerandra elegantissima, commonly called false aralia, is a sleek, upright tropical with finely serrated, fingered leaves that mature from coppery tones to deep green. It brings airy, architectural texture to bright indoor spaces and is relatively easy to care for with steady warmth and humidity.
Common Names
False araliaSpider araliaElegant scheffleraDizygothecaFinger aralia
Context
nativeRegion
New Caledonia
usdaZones
11–12 outdoors (frost‑free); commonly grown indoors elsewhere
companionPlants
Calathea (Goeppertia), Ferns (Nephrolepis, Asplenium), Philodendron, Aglaonema, Dracaena, Bromeliads, Cordyline
culturalUses
Popular architectural foliage plant for homes, offices, and interior landscaping; used in tropical container plantings in frost‑free climates.
Care
Care Requirements
LightBright, indirect light with a few hours of gentle morning sun; tolerates medium light but may grow leggy. Avoid harsh midday sun.
WateringWater when the top 1–2 inches of soil are dry. Keep evenly moist in spring–summer; reduce in winter. Use room‑temperature water and avoid soggy soil.
SoilAiry, well‑draining mix: peat/coir-based potting soil with perlite and fine bark (roughly 2:1:1). Slightly acidic (pH 6.0–6.5).
FertilizerBalanced liquid fertilizer at 1/4–1/2 strength every 4 weeks in spring–summer or a slow‑release pellet in spring. Hold in fall–winter.
HumidityPrefers 50–70%+. Use a humidifier or pebble tray; avoid cold drafts and sudden humidity drops.
TemperatureIdeal 65–80°F (18–27°C). Do not expose below 60°F (15°C). Keep away from heaters and AC vents.
Growth & Life Cycle
HabitUpright, slender, multi‑stemmed shrub/small tree with narrow, serrated palmate leaflets.
Mature SizeIndoors 4–8 ft tall and 2–3 ft wide; outdoors up to 10–20 ft tall in ideal conditions.
Growth RateModerate; slower in low light or cool conditions.
BloomingRare indoors; outdoors may produce small greenish umbels/panicles in warm seasons.
DormancyNo true dormancy; growth slows in winter with shorter days.
Propagation
MethodsStem cuttings, Air layering, Seed (rare)
DifficultyModerate
Best SeasonSpring to early summer
Maintenance & Notes
PruningPinch or tip‑prune to encourage branching and maintain a tidy, upright form. Remove leggy or crossing stems in spring.
RepottingRepot every 2–3 years in spring, or when rootbound. Prefers slightly snug pots with excellent drainage.
Pests & DiseasesWatch for spider mites, scale, mealybugs, and thrips. Overwatering can cause root rot; low humidity or drafts cause leaf drop.
ToxicityMildly toxic if ingested (pets and humans). Sap may irritate; can cause oral irritation and GI upset.