Introduction
False aralia (Dizygotheca elegantissima) is a shrub belonging to the family Araliaceae. This family Araliaceae is one of the most important family and is known for plants with medicinal values. As pharmacological investment indicates the presence of terpenoids and saponins in plants of the Araliaceae family (1).
Common name
Other common names for this plant are (2)
Petite boux caledonien
Spider aralia
Threadleaf aralia
Finger aralia
The plant False aralia (Dizygotheca elegantissima) is native to the Pacific island and is very popular in indoor gardens for its airy and lacy ornamental foliage. This is actually a small tree or shrub and has slender leaflets with color ranges from copper red to dark green with toothed edges and can reach up to 3-4 meters in height.
Botanical Description
Height
The height of this plant is around 2-8 meters with a spread of 1-4 meters. Upright and open with moderate growth and fine texture.
Leaves
Leaves are spiral and palmately compound in structure. the margins of the leaves are lobed with oblong shapes. the of leaves are copper red to green and are 8-12 inches in length (3).
Flowers
The color of the flowers is white and blooms during the summer season.
False aralia (dizygotheca elegantissima) care
The plant False aralia (dizygotheca elegantissima) is easy to grow and care for. Regular watering and proper sunlight are the only basic requirement for this beautiful plant.
1. Light
This plant can grow well under bright light. But please be careful of keeping the plant under direct sunlight as direct light may cause leaf injury and tip browning (4).
2. Humidity
It requires good humidity therefore spray with water at least once a week. And also sustain moisture at the root of the plant.
3. Water
Water the plant thoroughly allowing the topsoil to dry and then water. Do not overwater as it causes wilting of the leaves (4).
Fertilizer
Feed monthly with 10-10-10 fertilizer.
Pest and diseases
False aralia (dizygotheca elegantissima) is relatively hardy in nature and is not easily affected by pests and diseases. Although if not taken care of properly then the leaves may get infested with scale and aphids (3).
False aralia (dizygotheca elegantissima) propagation
The main mode of propagation of dizygotheca elegantissima is via stem cutting. This plant is a relatively slow-growing plant and thus needs almost no pruning or only prunes when you want the plant not to grow beyond a certain height.
Q&A
1. How to care for false aralia plant?
Taking care of this plant is relatively easy. Keep the plant under bright indirect sunlight and water it regularly when the topsoil dries up.
2. How to propagate false aralia?
The propagation of this plant is mainly via stem cutting.
3. how to propagate a false aralia?
The main and common mode of propagation of the plant false aralia is from cutting.