How Do I Care for a False Aralia Schefflera Elegantissima?
Schefflera elegantissima also goes by the name false aralia and is a tropical plant that is native to Polynesia. The plant has dark green, frond-like foliage and grows in a shrub form. In the fall the plant produces yellow flowers at the end of each stem that later develop into black fruit that endures through the winter. In the United States, most false aralia plants are grown indoors or in pots that are moved inside during winter months. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Water
- Spray bottle
- Liquid balanced fertilizer
- Thermometer
- Insecticidal soap
- Garden gloves
Instructions
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Place your potted false aralia in an area that receives full to partial sunlight, such as a south- or east-facing windowsill. If the plant is outdoors, such as during summer, place it under the canopy of a large tree or a patio awning for protection from direct sun rays.
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2
Water the soil until it runs out of the bottom of the pot. Repeat watering daily or every other day to keep it constantly damp but not soggy. The soil should always feel like a damp sponge.
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Fill a spray bottle with water and mist the leaves and stems of your false aralia daily to increase the humidity around the plant.
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Fertilize the soil once per month with a liquid balanced fertilizer. Apply only the amount specified on the bottle for a single plant.
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Examine the leaves closely on a regular basis for insect damage, the most common of which are scales, thrips and mealy bugs. If insects are detected, take the plant outdoors and spray all the leaves and stems with an insecticidal soap to smother the pests. Move the plant back indoors when the infestation is eliminated.
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Monitor the temperature around your false aralia and do not let it fall below 65 degrees Fahrenheit. If the plants are outdoors on a porch or patio, move them indoors in the fall well before night-time temperatures dip below 65 degrees.
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Tips & Warnings
False aralia can be planted outdoors in the ground if you live in United States Department of Agriculture Hardiness Zone 11.
The sap of false aralia is mildly toxic so always wear gloves when handling the plant.
