Araliaceae
False Aralia (Schefflera elegantissima)
Schefflera elegantissima
Give false aralia bright, indirect light near an east- or north-facing window, water only once the top few centimeters of soil have dried, and keep humidity moderate to high (60-80%) to prevent leaf drop and crispy edges. Use a well-draining, peat-based potting mix, feed lightly every 4-6 weeks during the growing season, and avoid moving the plant or exposing it to cold drafts once it is settled.
Every 7 days
Partial shade
16° - 29°C
60% - 80%
Categories
What is False Aralia?
False Aralia (Schefflera elegantissima) is a medium-care plant from the Araliaceae family. False aralia (Schefflera elegantissima, syn. Dizygotheca elegantissima and Plerandra elegantissima) is a striking evergreen shrub from the Araliaceae family, native to New Caledonia in the South Pacific. It is prized as a houseplant for its dramatic, deeply serrated, coppery-bronze juvenile leaves t...
False Aralia grows up to 2.5m, spread of 100cm, watering every 7 days, 16°C â 29°C, 60â80% humidity. It is suitable for indoor environments and safe for pets.
Unlike many popular species, False Aralia is safe to keep around pets. Without adequate drainage, root rot can develop within 14 days.
How to Care for False Aralia?
TLDR: False Aralia needs Partial shade, watering every 7 days, and temperatures between 16-29°C with 60-80% humidity.
How Often Should You Water False Aralia?
Water when the top 2-3 cm of soil feel dry to the touch. False aralia would rather be slightly underwatered than sit in soggy soil, since waterlogged roots quickly lead to root rot and leaf drop.
How Much Light Does False Aralia Need?
Provide bright, indirect light for the best foliage color and density; it tolerates medium light but grows slower and leggier. Avoid direct, harsh sun, which can scorch the delicate leaflets.
What Is the Best Soil for False Aralia?
Plant in a light, well-draining, peat-moss based potting mix with added perlite or orchid bark to keep roots aerated and prevent waterlogging.
What Pot Should You Use for False Aralia?
A terracotta or unglazed ceramic pot with ample drainage holes helps excess moisture evaporate and protects against root rot.
Care Schedule
Fertilize
Every 35 days
Misting
Every 3 days
Rotate
Every 14 days
Repot
Every 730 days
What Is False Aralia and Where Does It Come From?
False aralia (Schefflera elegantissima, syn. Dizygotheca elegantissima and Plerandra elegantissima) is a striking evergreen shrub from the Araliaceae family, native to New Caledonia in the South Pacific. It is prized as a houseplant for its dramatic, deeply serrated, coppery-bronze juvenile leaves that mature to a dark, glossy green with a leathery texture. Young plants have narrow, almost lacy leaflets arranged in a whorled, umbrella-like pattern, while mature specimens develop thicker leaflets and a woody, tree-like trunk that can reach 1.8-2.5 m indoors. False aralia has a reputation for being a bit temperamental compared to other Schefflera relatives, reacting quickly to drafts, sudden temperature swings, and inconsistent watering with leaf drop, so it rewards a stable spot and a steady care routine.
How to Propagate False Aralia?
Air layering
Air layering has a higher success rate than stem cuttings for this species since cuttings often struggle to root. Work in spring when the plant is actively growing.
- 1 Choose a healthy woody stem section below a leaf node
- 2 Make a small upward-angled cut into the stem and wedge it open with a toothpick
- 3 Wrap the wound in moist sphagnum moss and cover with plastic wrap, securing both ends
- 4 Keep the moss consistently moist until roots are visible through the plastic
- 5 Cut below the new root ball and pot the rooted section separately
Materials needed:
How Big Does False Aralia Grow?
TLDR: False Aralia can reach up to 2.5m tall with Slow growth rate.
Max height
2.5m
Spread
1.0m
Growth rate
Slow
Foliage
Evergreen
Plant Uses
Ornamental
Great for decoration
Is your plant showing symptoms?
Click on the symptom to discover possible causes:
What Diseases Commonly Affect False Aralia?
TLDR: False Aralia is susceptible to 7 known diseases. Monitor regularly for early detection.
Spider Mites
Spider mites are tiny arachnids (less than 1/20 inch long) related to spiders and ticks that feed on plant sap. They thrive in hot, dry conditions and can cause significant damage to ornamental and vegetable plants. During severe infestations, crop losses can reach 14% or higher as these pests disrupt vital plant processes including photosynthesis, carbon dioxide absorption, and transpiration.
Scale Insects
Scale insects are small sap-sucking pests that appear as brown, shell-like bumps on plant stems and leaves. There are over 25 species, divided into armored (hard) and unarmored (soft) scales. They feed by piercing plant tissue and extracting sap, which weakens the plant and can lead to yellowing, stunted growth, and even death if left untreated. They also excrete honeydew, which attracts ants and promotes sooty mold growth.
Mealybugs
Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects covered with a white, waxy, cottony material. They are common pests of houseplants and outdoor plants in mild climates. These sap-sucking insects feed on plant tissue, causing damage, stunted growth, and can lead to plant death if left untreated. They produce sticky honeydew which attracts sooty mold.
Aphids
Aphids are small, soft-bodied, pear-shaped insects (1/16 to 1/8 inch long) that feed by sucking nutrient-rich sap from plants. They reproduce rapidly and can quickly weaken plants, causing distorted growth and transmitting plant viruses. Aphids come in various colors including green, black, red, yellow, brown, and gray. They secrete honeydew, a sticky substance that attracts ants and encourages sooty mold growth.
Meaning & Symbolism
In feng shui traditions, the umbrella-shaped foliage of Schefflera species, including false aralia, is associated with attracting good luck, prosperity, and positive energy into the home.
Fun Facts
The deeply serrated juvenile leaves look almost nothing like the broader leaflets of mature plants, which once led botanists to classify young and old specimens as different species.
False aralia is native only to New Caledonia, a remote island group in the South Pacific.
Despite the name, it is not a true aralia (genus Aralia) but a close relative in the same family, Araliaceae.
Frequently asked questions
Is false aralia toxic to cats and dogs?
Why is my false aralia dropping leaves?
How do I propagate false aralia?
Does false aralia need direct sunlight?
Compare with similar plants
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|---|---|---|---|---|
| Dark Fieldcap | Medium | Low light | 2d | â ïļ |
| Azalea | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â ïļ |
| Muriel's Bamboo | Medium | Partial shade | 3d | â |
| Bougainvillea | Medium | Direct sun | 7d | â ïļ |
