Houseplant
False Aralia
Plerandra elegantissima
Varieties We Carry
StandardPlerandra elegantissima
Sizes & Pricing
3 galFrom$29.95
Fresh this week. Last restocked Mar 4.
LightBright Indirect Light, Part Shade
WaterModerate
Mature size5-8 feet (container/indoor); to 15+ feet outdoors in zones 10-12 × 2-3 feet
About False Aralia
False aralia (Plerandra elegantissima) is a tropical plant native to New Caledonia, grown for its striking, deeply serrated, dark bronze-green leaflets that radiate from slender stems like outstretched fingers. Juvenile plants have a more finely cut foliage texture that matures as the plant ages, making it an elegant houseplant. Starting at $29.95.
Plant details
- Bloom Season
- Non-flowering
- Flower Color
- Non-flowering
- Growth Rate
- Moderate
- Foliage
- Evergreen
- Soil
- Loam, Well-drained
Best planting months
Recommended forZone 9b · St. Augustine, FL
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Seasonal care
Good planting window.
Higher water demand in summer heat.
Ideal planting window.
Retains foliage through winter.
Care essentials
Light
Provide bright indirect light indoors; avoid direct afternoon sun which scorches the fine leaflets. In NE Florida, an east-facing exposure or screened porch works well. Container plants can move outdoors in warm months with filtered light.
Water
Water when the top inch of soil dries out; do not overwater as false aralia is highly susceptible to root rot. NE Florida's summer humidity helps, but ensure excellent drainage and reduce watering in winter.
Soil & Fertilizer
Use a well-draining potting mix amended with perlite. Fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength every other month during the growing season (spring–summer); withhold fertilizer in winter.
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Common questions
Is False Aralia a good plant for St. Augustine?
False Aralia is a houseplant for Zone 9b coastal Florida gardens, with medium salt tolerance, reaching 5-8 feet (container/indoor); to 15+ feet outdoors in zones 10-12 × 2-3 feet.
Care information verified from
Last reviewed February 2026. Our care guidance comes from trusted horticulture sources and decades of helping St. Augustine gardeners. Conditions here can vary dramatically from one area to the next, so come ask us and we'll tailor it to your yard.