False aralia (Plerandra elegantissima)
The False aralia (Plerandra elegantissima) is a striking, low-maintenance broadleaf evergreen, prized for its elegant, deeply cut foliage.
Scroll down to discover growing tips, care requirements, companion plants, and more
Complete Plant Information
Overview
The Plerandra elegantissima, commonly known as False aralia, is revered for its sophisticated, slender, and deeply serrated foliage, lending an architectural quality to any space. Native to the rainforests of New Caledonia, this broadleaf evergreen can reach imposing heights in its natural habitat but is widely celebrated as a manageable, elegant houseplant in cooler climates. Its value lies in its year-round deep green texture, making the Plerandra elegantissima an exceptional choice for structure and vertical interest, particularly when outdoor space is limited.
When grown outdoors in tropical or subtropical settings, the False aralia develops into a noteworthy small tree. However, for most temperate gardeners, its primary role is as a prized indoor specimen, where it maintains an air of refined tropical elegance. Providing a relatively low level of maintenance, this plant rewards attentive indoor care with consistent, beautiful growth.
This species offers significant aesthetic appeal through its contrasting leaf structures between juvenile and mature stages, providing visual dynamism over time. While flowers are rarely seen indoors, its overall form and easy adaptability make the Plerandra elegantissima a staple for interior landscape designs seeking height without excessive width.
Fast Facts
- Plant Family: Araliaceae
- Plant Type: Broadleaf evergreen
- Native Range: New Caledonia
- Hardiness Zones: USDA Zones 10-12
- Size at Maturity:
- Height: 25-50 ft
- Spread: 10-15 ft
- Bloom Time: Rarely flowers indoors
- Bloom Description: Yellow-green
- Sun Exposure: Full sun to part shade
- Water Needs: Medium
- Maintenance Level: Low
How to Grow
For zones 10-12, establish the False aralia in a location receiving full sun to part shade outdoors. Protection from intense, hot afternoon sun is advisable to prevent leaf scorch, although this species tolerates some shade. If planting directly into the landscape, ensure the soil provides good drainage, replicating its native tropical environment.
For year-round care indoors or during summer months outdoors, adopt a medium watering schedule. Water regularly and moderately throughout the growing season, significantly reducing frequency from the fall season through late winter dormancy. Pruning is necessary periodically to manage the size of the Plerandra elegantissima, keeping it appropriate for its chosen space.
Gardeners in cooler climates should treat this plant as an easily managed houseplant, particularly prioritizing warm and humidified indoor environments. Plants that spend summers sheltered outdoors can be returned to protected locations before temperatures drop, as they are only winter hardy down to Zone 10.
Landscape Uses
The False aralia excels as a low-maintenance indoor potted plant, providing vertical accentuation in bright rooms or atriums. Its upright habit means it occupies minimal floor space relative to its eventual height, making it suitable for flanking entryways or acting as a focal point in a grouping of container plants.
While primarily an interior specimen in non-tropical areas, where zones permit, the Plerandra elegantissima can serve as an excellent screening element grown as a large shrub or small tree. Combining its lacy foliage with broad-leaved tropical companions or plants that thrive in similar bright, indirect light conditions enhances its delicate appearance through contrast.
Standout Features
Flower Qualities
- Showy
Fruit Qualities
- Showy
Noteworthy Characteristics
Schefflera elegantissima, commonly called false aralia, is native to rainforests in New Caledonia where it grows as a shrub or small tree to 50’ tall. It is widely grown in temperate climates as a much smaller ornamental houseplant, typically maturing to 6-8’ indoors. Juvenile leaves feature narrow, toothed leaflets, while mature plants develop much larger leaves with leaflets broadening up to 3 inches wide and lengthening significantly. Genus name honors J.C. Scheffler, 19th-century botanist of Danzig (Gdansk, Poland).
Tolerances
No specific tolerances listed in the data provided.
Potential Problems
Gardeners growing Plerandra elegantissima should be vigilant regarding common houseplant pests. Specifically watch for infestations of mealybugs, aphids, spider mites, thrips, and scale insects. Regular scouting, especially on the undersides of leaves and along stems, is crucial for early detection. Prompt treatment with horticultural oil or insecticidal soap can manage minor outbreaks effectively before they become established threats to your False aralia.
Frequently Asked Questions
What hardiness zones is False aralia suitable for?
The False aralia is winter hardy in USDA Zones 10 through 12.
How large does Plerandra elegantissima grow?
Outdoors, this plant can mature to heights between 25 and 50 feet with a spread of 10 to 15 feet, though it remains much smaller when grown as a houseplant.
What sun exposure does Plerandra elegantissima need?
This plant thrives best when exposed to full sun to part shade, preferring bright, sunny locations with necessary protection from the hottest afternoon sun.
When does False aralia bloom?
When grown indoors, Plerandra elegantissima rarely flowers; however, outdoors, yellow-green umbels appear in fall and winter.
Conclusion
The exquisite, fine-textured foliage of the Plerandra elegantissima makes it an outstanding choice for adding vertical drama indoors or textural contrast in subtropical landscapes. Its low maintenance requirements further enhance its appeal as an elegant, reliable specimen. Before bringing this False aralia into your collection, confirm that your local climate falls within Zones 10-12 or plan to provide adequate humidity and warmth if growing indoors.
Companion Planting Considerations
When planning landscapes for outdoor specimens in Zones 10-12, pair the vertical lines of the False aralia with plants offering contrasting leaf shapes and textures. Consider wide, coarse foliage plants like Canna lilies or broad-leaved hostas (if the shade component is sufficient) to highlight the airy nature of the Plerandra elegantissima. In containers, use low-growing, vibrant annuals around the base to provide seasonal color that draws the eye upward toward the elegant canopy.
Seasonal Care Calendar for Indoor Growing
For indoor cultivation, focus heavily on the growing season from spring through early fall. During this peak period, ensure medium watering—keep soil consistently moist but never soggy. Fertilize lightly according to standard houseplant guidelines to support active growth toward that 6-8 foot indoor height. As daylight shortens and temperatures stabilize in fall and winter, significantly reduce watering frequency, allowing both the soil and the plant to rest until spring growth resumes.
