False Aralia

Botanical Name: Dizygotheca elegantissima

False Aralia has slender leaflets that grow in a circle at the tops of stems so that they look like fingers, giving this house plant its second common name: Finger Aralia.

New coppery brown foliage turns a dark, blackish-green as the plant matures. Its narrow, serrated leaflets give this small tree a lacy appearance, making it a graceful addition to a collection of tropical house plants.

This plant likes to stay put. Moving it to a new location may cause its leaves to drop. Falling leaves may also indicate that humidity is too low. Mist the plant every morning or stand the pot on a tray of wet pebbles. Misting also helps to prevent spider mites that may invade this plant.

Repot in spring only when it has outgrown its pot, but use the smallest container that will hold its roots. It grows best when its roots are confined. Taller plants should be potted in a heavy container to prevent toppling.

Origin: South Pacific

Height: This Pacific Island native can grow to 20 ft (6 m) in the wild, but indoors this tree will slowly reach about 6 ft (1.8 m).

Light: Bright light, no direct sun.

Water: Water thoroughly and allow top of soil to dry out between waterings. Wilted leaves are a sign of overwatering.

Humidity: Moderate to high humidity.

Temperature: Warm 65-85°F, 18-29°C. Do not expose it to temperatures below 60°.

Soil: Any good potting mix

Fertilizer: Feed every 2 weeks with a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted by half. In fall and winter, feed monthly.

Propagation: Stem tip cuttings.