Schefflera elegantissima
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Schefflera elegantissima

False aralia

Tier 2 Difficulty: medium Water: moderate Light: partial_sun Toxicity: high
Water every
3 days
Temperature
20–37 °C
Soil pH
5–6
Hardiness
Zone 10–12
Click count
717
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Description

Source: leafsnap

Plerandra elegantissima (formerly called Schefflera elegantissima and Dizygotheca elegantissima), the false aralia, is a species of flowering plant in the family Araliaceae, native to New Caledonia.

🌳 False aralia is more than an ornamental plant; it has demonstrated potential as an indoor air purifier. This is critical in urban areas where air quality can be poor. Its broad leaves can absorb a variety of harmful pollutants, offering a natural way to enhance indoor air quality.

Care Guide

💧 Water 1 to 2 times a week

Regularly water your false aralia to ensure adequate moisture but not soggy conditions. Once 1-2 inches of soil surface becomes dry to the touch, then you can water your plant. This method ensures that you don’t waterlog it while giving it enough hydration.

Suggested frequency: 1 to 2 times a week
☀️ Light Partial sun

The false aralia flourishes optimally in locations where sunlight is adequately filtered, although it can cope with surroundings that have abundant or insufficient sunlight. In its original environment, it had protection from strong sunrays due to the canopy. Too much sunlight could cause the leaves to burn, while too little may cause the plant to grow spindly.

Ideal: Partial sun
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C

False aralia, in its natural habitat, favors temperatures between 20 and 38 ℃ (68 to 100 ℉). This temperate woody plant needs a moderate temperature spectrum but has the ability to adapt to seasonal variations if required.

Ideal temperature: 20–37.8°C
💨 Humidity
Humidity:
🪴 Soil 5-6
Soil pH: 5-6
🌱 Fertilizer

The care of False aralia greatly depends on consistent fertilization. Regular nourishment throughout the growth period is essential for maintaining vitality for lavish leaves and for supporting its total development. Overlooking the need for fertilization can lead to diseased leaves, reduced aesthetic attractiveness, and inhibited or fragile growth that is susceptible to damage.

🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years

When replanting False aralia, select a container that is 1-2 inches (2.5-5 cm) larger and has plenty of drainage. Opt for a potting mix that drains well. Carry out the replanting in either spring or autumn, ensuring the root sphere is marginally below the lip of the plant pot. Drench thoroughly post-replanting and position in a cosy location with filtered sunlight.

Suggested frequency: 2-3 years
✂️ Pruning

False aralia’s slow-growing nature eliminates the need for pruning. You can practice light trimming to keep it neat or manage its size. Otherwise, it will grow just fine on its own.

🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity

False aralia plants are toxic to both people and pets. They contain synthetic compounds like oxalates, solanine, glycosides, or alkaloid lycorine that can induce a range of toxicity symptoms when ingested. You might experience vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, inflammation, redness, and difficulty breathing.

Characteristics

Plant Type
Shrub
Life Cycle
Perennial
Genus
Schefflera
Family
Araliaceae
Hardiness Zone
10-12
Mature Height
7.62 m to 15.24 m
Mature Spread
1.22 m to 1.83 m
Leaf Color
Green, Yellow, Gold
Leaf Type
Evergreen
Flower Color
Yellow, Green, Gold
Flower Size
2.54 cm
Bloom Time
Early summer, Mid summer
Planting Time
Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
Harvest Time
Mid summer
Native Area
South Pacific

Tags (24)

Common Names (1)

en False aralia