About False Aralia
An elegant, fine-textured indoor tree with deeply serrated, finger-like leaflets that are dark green to nearly black, giving it a sophisticated, lacy appearance. Young plants have narrow, spider-like leaves that broaden as the plant matures. Its upright, slender form makes it an excellent floor plant for adding vertical interest and texture to Filipino living rooms and office lobbies. False Aralia belongs to the Araliaceae family and originates from New Caledonia (South Pacific); cultivated worldwide as an indoor ornamental..
False Aralia is a favorite among Filipino interior plantscapers for hotel lobbies, upscale restaurants, and condo common areas. Its sophisticated, almost gothic-dark foliage sets it apart from the typical bright-green houseplants. Available at specialty indoor plant shops in BGC, Makati, and Quezon City for PHP 500-1,500 depending on size. It requires more attention than some houseplants but rewards patient growers with its unique, textured silhouette. A great conversation-starter plant in any Filipino home.
Also known as: Spider Aralia, Finger Aralia.
Popular Varieties
- Plerandra elegantissima (standard — dark, narrow-fingered leaves)
- Plerandra elegantissima 'Galaxy' (broader, darker leaflets with a compact habit)
- Plerandra elegantissima 'Gold Crest' (golden-green variegation on leaf edges)
- Plerandra elegantissima 'Bianca' (white-green variegation)
How to Plant False Aralia in the Philippines
False Aralia can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering, seeds. The recommended method is semi-hardwood stem cuttings with rooting hormone.
Propagation Steps
- Step 1: Take 10-15 cm stem cuttings from healthy, semi-hardwood branches.
- Step 2: Remove lower leaves, leaving 3-4 leaflets at the top.
- Step 3: Dip the cut end in rooting hormone powder.
- Step 4: Plant in a mix of perlite and peat moss. Cover with a clear plastic bag to maintain humidity.
- Step 5: Keep warm (25-30°C) in bright indirect light — rooting takes 4-8 weeks. Remove the bag once new growth appears.
Care Guide
Sunlight
Bright indirect light; tolerates medium light but grows slowly. Avoid direct sun which scorches the delicate leaflets.. Position your false aralia where it receives the right amount of light for healthy growth in Philippine conditions.
Water
Allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry between waterings. Water thoroughly about twice a week in warm months, less in cooler, rainy periods. Avoid both soggy soil and bone-dry conditions. Adjust frequency during the Philippine rainy season when humidity is higher and soil stays moist longer.
Temperature & Humidity
Ideal temperature range: 20-30°C (comfortable in Manila's climate; avoid sudden temperature drops and cold AC drafts). High — 50-70%. Manila's humidity helps, but mist regularly in air-conditioned spaces or group with other plants. The warm, humid Philippine climate is well-suited for growing false aralia outdoors or indoors.
Fertilizer
Balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) at half strength every 3-4 weeks during the growing season.
Pruning
Prune sparingly — remove only dead or damaged branches. Can be topped if it grows too tall, which encourages branching.
Toxicity & Safety
Non-toxic to humans and pets. Safe for homes with children and animals.
Common Problems & Solutions
Leaf drop
Cause: Sudden changes in light, temperature, or watering; cold drafts from AC
Solution: Keep in a stable environment. Avoid moving the plant frequently. Shield from direct AC airflow.
Lower leaves falling off
Cause: Normal aging or underwatering
Solution: Some lower leaf loss is natural. Ensure consistent watering — do not let soil stay dry for extended periods.
Spider mites
Cause: Low humidity, especially in air-conditioned rooms
Solution: Mist leaves regularly. Wipe with a damp cloth. Spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly.
Slow growth
Cause: Low light or insufficient nutrients
Solution: Move to brighter indirect light and maintain regular fertilizing schedule.
Frequently Asked Questions
How do you care for False Aralia in the Philippines?
False Aralia needs bright indirect light; tolerates medium light but grows slowly. avoid direct sun which scorches the delicate leaflets.. Water allow the top 2-3 cm of soil to dry between waterings. water thoroughly about twice a week in warm months, less in cooler, rainy periods. avoid both soggy soil and bone-dry conditions.. Feed with balanced liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) at half strength every 3-4 weeks during the growing season.. The Philippine climate with temperatures of 20-30°C (comfortable in Manila's climate; avoid sudden temperature drops and cold AC drafts) works well for this plant.
How do you propagate False Aralia?
The recommended method is semi-hardwood stem cuttings with rooting hormone. Take 10-15 cm stem cuttings from healthy, semi-hardwood branches. Remove lower leaves, leaving 3-4 leaflets at the top.
Is False Aralia toxic to pets or children?
Non-toxic to humans and pets. Safe for homes with children and animals.
Can False Aralia grow in containers in the Philippines?
Yes, False Aralia grows well in containers and is suitable for balcony and indoor gardening in Metro Manila condos and apartments. Use a pot with drainage holes and appropriate potting mix.
What are common problems when growing False Aralia?
Common issues include: Leaf drop (caused by sudden changes in light, temperature, or watering; cold drafts from ac — keep in a stable environment. avoid moving the plant frequently. shield from direct ac airflow); Lower leaves falling off (caused by normal aging or underwatering — some lower leaf loss is natural. ensure consistent watering — do not let soil stay dry for extended periods); Spider mites (caused by low humidity, especially in air-conditioned rooms — mist leaves regularly. wipe with a damp cloth. spray with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly).
Growing false aralia in Manila? Tag us @urbangoesgreen on TikTok and show us your garden!