False Aralia: Exotic and Stunning Foliage Plant

Plant Care

False Aralia is a tough plant that almost takes care of itself, but responds nicely to good care. Best for indoor settings, where it can thrive with proper care on light, soil and watering.

Light

Fake Aralia loves bright, indirect sunlight. Some low light is fine, but it will grow slower and its beautiful foliage may lose some vibrancy. You should put the plant near a north or east-facing window where it gets plenty of natural light but is protected from the harsh midday sun. Direct sunlight can scorch its delicate leaves, so always ensure it’s shielded during peak hours.

Soil

Soil: Prefers well-draining, slightly acidic soil. Some combination of peat moss (or coconut coir if you prefer a peat-free option), perlite and pine bark works beautifully, giving water a chance to flow through, but retaining some moisture at the same time. 

The plant does not like to be water-logged, so make sure that the pot has good drainage to prevent root rot. Check the soil regularly for compaction, and reapplying the mix if needed, as good soil aids the plant in developing healthy roots.

Watering

False Aralia prefers to dry out between waterings, make sure to allow the top 1-2 inches of the soil to dry out before watering again. This plant doesn’t like to sit in water, so check that the pot has proper drainage as well. You may need to water more often during the warmer months when the plant is actively growing, but cut back on watering in the fall and winter when the plant’s growth slows down. Be sure to check the soil moisture before watering again to avoid over-watering.

Pruning

False Aralia pruning is an integral part of the life of your False Aralia. This plant doesn’t need to be heavily pruned, but regular removal of dead or damaged leaves will help it keep its tidy appearance. Conversely, you can prune long stems for aesthetic reasons — to produce bushier growth.

False Aralia can also be pruned lightly, which helps create more density in the plant. Be careful not to damage the plant; and use clean and sharp scissors or pruning shears when trimming your plants. Since this plant can get quite tall, pinching the top growth encourages branching and produces a fuller, more attractive form.

Propagating

False Aralia can be propagated by taking stem cuttings, but it takes a little bit of patience. The simplest way is to gather robust, healthy cuttings from the plant in spring or early summer.

To propagate:

Take a 6-8 inch long cutting with a few leaves attached, and make sure to take the cutting from a part of the plant that has not yet flowered.

• Remove the leaves from half and insert the cutting in water or moist potting soil.
• If using soil, ensure that the mix is moist but not drenched.
• If propagating in water, place the cutting in a warm, bright location with indirect sunlight, and replace the water every few days.
• After a period of 3-4 weeks, when the cutting has rooted, transplant into its own pot using a similar mixture.

Soon enough, you’re going to have a new False Aralia baby in your home!

Growing in Pots

False Aralia does well in pots and is a perfect candidate for indoor container gardens. Its moderate size makes it adaptable to a wide range of pots, whether you’re growing it as a single specimen or in groups with other plants.

When growing in a pot:

• Using a well-draining pot will help prevent rain from pooling on the bottom and causing root rot.
• Use a well-draining potting mix; you might also want to mix in perlite or sand to improve drainage.
• Put it next to a window that gets filtered sunlight so the plant can take in lots of indirect light.
• False aralias should be repotted every 2–3 years, to refresh soil and allow for growth.

If you decide to keep a False Aralia in a pot, you can keep it in there for years — making for a unique and standout addition to your indoor plant collection.

Overwintering

False Aralia is a tropical plant and requires extra care during its colder months. If you are growing it in an area with cold winters, be sure to bring it indoors before the temperature drops below 50°F (10°C).

How to overwinter your False Aralia:

• Keep it somewhere well lit, out of direct sunlight.Avoid placing it near drafts or heating vents, as these can cause the plant to dry out.
• Water less during winter, when the plant’s growth pace drops. Make sure the top of the soil gets dry before you water again.
• Humidity: Keep humidity levels moderate, since dry indoor air can cause the plant stress. You might try misting the plant every so often, or placing a humidifier in the vicinity.

With the right care, your False Aralia will thrive indoors throughout the cold months ahead.

Blooming

False Aralia is cultivated mainly for its tropical foliage, rather than flowers. The plant produces small, unremarkable flowers which are usually greenish-white, and is not a showy bloomer and rarely flowers indoors. Its most sought-after features are the gorgeous fern-like leaves that continue to be the centerpiece beauty of the plant.

The plant has deeply divided leaves that give it a lacey appearance, making it an ideal plant to bring a tropical vibe to your home décor. If you do, you might have better luck keeping it outdoors in tropical climates, where it blooms freely. However, for the most part, False Aralia is appreciated by indoor growers for its foliage alone.

Common Issues

While False Aralia is a fairly low-maintenance plant, it can still run into a few common problems:

• Leaf Drop: If the plant is stressed (say, you’ve dropped the temperature, overwatered or given it insufficient light), it may drop leaves. Ensure the plant is in the right light and moisture in a stable environment.
• Pests: False Aralia can be affected by common houseplant pests, such as mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. Check the plant regularly for pests and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
• Yellowing Leaves: This may be a sign of too much water, too little water, or low light. In other words, adapt the care routine to make sure it has well draining soil and receives adequate light.
• Brown Leaf Tips — If the plant is kept in very dry air, or allowed to become underwatered, the edges of the leaves will become brown. Maintain consistent humidity levels and never allow the soil to dry out completely.

Keeping an eye out for these common issues will allow you to keep your False Aralia healthy and thriving.

Summary

One of the most unique and visually striking houseplants is the False Aralia, which completely transforms a room with its exotic 'lacy' leaves. When given the proper care, it will thrive and be a standout in your houseplant collection.