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You are here: Experts > Style > Interior Decorating > House Plants > False Aralia
Expert: Darlene K. Kittle - 11/8/2009
Question
I planted a seed given to my about 10 months ago (outside on patio in Tampa, FL) and the attached image is the result. I have been told the tree is a false aralia bamboo tree. I have been unable to find anything to match it online. I would like to know if it is an aralia and also what type of maintenance, trimming, etc. to maintain the plant.
Answer
Douglas,
It is not a bamboo, it is a "False Aralia" or Aralia elegantissima/Dizygortheca elegantissima.
It is native to Australasia. If you go to Google and put in False Aralia then click on images at the top you will find pictures of your plant. Here is a link to those:
http://images.google.com/images?hl=en&source=hp&q=false%20aralia&rlz=1R2GGLL_en&...
This graceful plant performs best in very bright indirect light or full sun. In any light, its soil must dry to the touch between thorough soaking waterings. It prefers high humidity (achieved with spray misting or Florida humidity outdoors.) Indoors they can be more difficult. Maximum height is approximately six feet. Fertilize in the spring & summer months (March through October) when tree is actively growing. Propagate with stem cuttings (dipped in a rooting hormone) or air-layering (on woody stems) in the spring.
Grown in full sun, the leaves take on a very attractive dark-purple hue. When this aralia reaches five feet or so, the delicate leaf – 'fingers' become larger & broader to most interesting effect. They are very easy to root from cuttings using rooting hormone and it makes a very interesting bonsai speciman plant. I am growing one as a bonsai. You can prune it to any height you prefer. If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck.
Darlene
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