Can we talk about wisteria for a minute? I mean, a vine in full bloom is like something straight out of a fairy tale.The long, vibrant clusters of blossoms and t
06.06.2023 - 15:57 / gardenerspath.com / Kristine Lofgren
How to Grow and Care for False Aralia Plerandra elegantissimaThere are some houseplants out there that take a bit of extra work to keep happy, but they’re so beautiful that they’re worth it. False aralia is one of those plants.
With its elegant (it’s right there in the botanical name!) foliage that resembles dark-colored lace or tiny feathers, it’s instantly recognizable.
While it’s sometimes mistaken for marijuana or a finely serrated Japanese maple, it has a look all its own that never fails to draw comments.
We link to vendors to help you find relevant products. If you buy from one of our links, we may earn a commission.
While they may not be the easiest plant to grow, they aren’t all that difficult either. You just need to be sure to give them a few specific conditions that they crave, including high heat and lots of humidity.
To bring you up to speed on what these plants need, here’s what we’ll discuss coming up:
Ready to add this tropical beauty to your home? Let’s not wait one minute more to jump in!
What Is False Aralia?Plerandra elegantissima is a pretty distinctive little plant. The leaves have heavily toothed edges and the coloring can be copper, burgundy, or medium green, or a mix of all three, depending on the cultivar and the amount of light it receives.
If, at first glance, you look at it and ask yourself if it’s related to pot plants or Japanese maples, you are in good company. The leaves do have a similar shape and you’re not the first person to wonder.
Native to New Caledonia, this plant sometimes goes by the name threadleaf, spider, or finger aralia.
You might be wondering what a “real” aralia is, if this is a false one.
Aralia is a genus of plants commonly known as spikenards. P. elegantissima has foliage that
Can we talk about wisteria for a minute? I mean, a vine in full bloom is like something straight out of a fairy tale.The long, vibrant clusters of blossoms and t
Lady palms are elegant, tough, and they can bring a bit of the tropics into any space.Unlike other palms, these plants aren’t all that tender
Otherwise known as toyon, California holly, or Christmas berry, Heteromeles arbutifoliais an excellent slope-stabilizing and habitat plant, host to myriad insects including pollinating butterflies and moths.An iconic staple of California chaparral and oak woodland
If you love growing common sage in your herb garden and live in a warm area, you’ll want to consider adding Cleveland sage into the mix.Salvia clevelandii, also known as California blue, frag
Dealing with a difficult area in the garden? I’ve been there.I once had a group of Japanese hollies growing ne
We all have those spots in the garden that defy our attempts to cultivate them. And that’s where junipers come in.These evergreen shrubs are the ones that we perpetually
Chrysanthemums are more than just a pretty face. We love these plants for their colorful pom poms that last all summer long, but underneath that cheery facade lies a killer.Of insects, that is.We link to vendors to help
Bright and cheerful with a heavenly fragrance, daffodils are among the most beloved of spring’s harbingers.The flowers are notable for their hues of yellow or
It loves chilly weather, is essential for making kimchi, and isn’t as fussy as some other brassicas. Say “hello” to napa cabbage.Also known as Chinese cabbage, this plant is perfect for growing when man
Some plants get all the attention, with their massive flowers or bold foliage colors. Then there are the humble workhorses doing their job without any fuss or muss, making our lives easier and our gardens prettier.Sedges are one such plant. For the most part, they’re nearl
The captivating Yucca brevifolia, commonly known as the Joshua tree, is a member of the agave (Agavaceae) family.With the Mojave, Great Basin, and western Sonoran D
The Forsythia genus is a group of plants in the Oleaceae, or olive family. It includes 11 species of deciduous woody shrubs that bear bold yellow flowers in early spring.Suited to gardeners in USDA Hardiness