How to Grow and Care for False Aralia Indoors

False Aralia Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing false aralia:

• Plant in moist, well-draining soil, in an area with partial sun exposure or near a window.
• Water just before the soil dried out.
• Provide consistent humidity, especially indoors during colder months.
• Maintain average room temperature around false aralia, protecting it from cold.

Light

Place false aralia in a spot with bright, indirect light. The leaf color is affected by overall light levels—the more light it gets, the darker the mature leaves will appear. Be mindful of exposing the plant to any harsh direct rays of sunlight, which can cause damage.

Soil

Plant false aralia in moist but well-draining soil with a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH. It does not do well in sponge-like potting media, so opt for a peat-based mix instead. Make sure your chosen blend has plenty of coarse material to promote drainage.

Water

Provide a steady supply of moisture for false aralia prefers a steady supply of soil moisture, but keep it out of soggy soil. Water just before the soil dries out completely. Check weekly with a moisture meter to see if it’s time to water. When growing outdoors, protect false aralia from drought.

Temperature and Humidity

Protect false aralia from the cold. The ideal temperature range for false aralia to thrive is somewhere between 65 and 85 degrees, though it can handle brief dips in temperature to about 45 degrees. However, prolonged cold temperatures can kill the plant.

Additionally, false aralia loves humidity and will need humidity levels of at least 50 percent to thrive. To raise humidity, you can use a humidifier, place the plant on a pebble tray, or keep it in a bathroom or laundry room.

Fertilizer

Generally, false aralia doesn’t have any heavy fertilizer requirements. However, you can give your plant a boost with a liquid houseplant fertilizer during its growing season (spring and summer), following label instructions.

Types of False Aralia

There are some varieties of false aralia to consider, including:

• ‘Galaxy’ false aralia has shiny, dark green leaves that are more clustered than other varieties.
• ‘Variegated Galaxy’ false aralia has dark green leaflets that are edged in a golden hue.
• ‘Gold Crest’ false aralia is a more feathery leafed variety with lighter green leaves edged in gold.
• ‘Olympia’ false aralia is the most “colorful” variety, with dark green leaves among shade of reds and violet.

Propagating False Aralia

False aralia can be propagated relatively easily via stem cuttings. Not only is this an inexpensive way to make new plants, but it also allows you to make use of any stems you want to prune off the parent plant to shape it. The best time to take a stem cutting is in the spring. Here’s how:

1. Using a pair of sharp pruning shears, cut a few stems.
2. Place the stem cuttings in a container of moist soil.
3. Place the container in the window where it will receive bright, indirect light.

Potting and Repotting False Aralia

To pot false aralia, select a container that’s just slightly larger in both width and depth than your plant’s root ball. This plant doesn’t mind being a little root-bound. An unglazed clay container with drainage is ideal.

Because this plant is slow-growing, you likely will only have to repot every other year. If you see roots growing out of the drainage holes or popping up out of the soil, you’ll know it’s time to repot. The best time to repot is in spring or early summer.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

This plant is susceptible to common pests, including spider mites, scale, aphids, and mealybugs. Infestations can often be treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil. The most common plant disease that plagues false aralia is root rot, which is usually due to overwatering.

Common Problems with False Aralia

Leaves Turning Yellow

If the leaves begin to turn yellow, that often can be a sign of overwatering.

Leaves Turning Black or Brown

If you notice leaves turning black or brown, that can be a sign of too much or too harsh of light. So try moving your plant to a shadier spot.

Plant Leaves Falling Off

If leaves start dropping off the plant, that sometimes can be the result of temperatures that are too chilly. Even nighttime temperatures should remain above 60 degrees, so always bring your plant indoors if you’re expecting a cold spell.