How Do You Care For False Aralia?
How Do You Care For False Aralia? False aralia is easy to care for and thrives in indirect, bright light. The amount of ambient light influences the leaf color; the more light there is, the darker the mature leaves will seem. However, you should avoid exposing the plant to severe direct sunlight. They can cause…
How Do You Care For False Aralia?
False aralia is easy to care for and thrives in indirect, bright light. The amount of ambient light influences the leaf color; the more light there is, the darker the mature leaves will seem. However, you should avoid exposing the plant to severe direct sunlight. They can cause the thin, fragile leaves to deteriorate and become brown.
Consistent watering and fertilization are necessary for the upkeep of fake aralia plants. When the earth is dry to a depth of 1 inch, water the plant (2.5 cm.). After the surplus water has drained through the pot, dump the saucer beneath it. The following are the factors to consider when caring for False Aralia;
Sunlight:
False aralia plants benefit from an abundance of indirect bright light. Ensure that the leaves have shade if they are outdoors, as too much direct sunlight might cause them to wilt. If they are kept as indoor plants, they should be placed near a window to receive ample light throughout the day.
Watering:
When growing a False Aralia, water it once every 2-4 weeks in spring, summer, and fall. Allow the soil to dry out between watering. Before watering, check the moisture content of the potting mix using a moisture meter or by probing it with your finger. False aralias benefit from being repotted every couple of years as they mature.
While growing as a houseplant, you should only water False Aralia about once a month during the winter. Only lightly moisten the soil with tepid water. Watering should be done in the early morning or evening to ensure that the plant does not become exposed to cold drafts from the window or door.
Soil:
False aralia plants require firm, well-draining soil or potting mix to flourish. They thrive best with a continuous flow of water, but rapid drainage is vital; excessive water retention is detrimental to plant growth. Start with a mixture of peat moss. You should mix a small amount of pumice into the potting mix.
Fertilizer:
False aralia does not require an abundance of fertilizer. However, you may give your plant a boost during its growing season (spring and summer) by using a liquid houseplant fertilizer according to the recommendations on the packaging.
Feed once every two weeks during spring and summer, while they are in active growth, and once every two months during the winter rest period. If using commercial fertilizers, be sure to use a general-purpose formula that contains minor nutrients such as iron or calcium.
Temperature:
False aralia dislikes the cold. False aralia prefers temperatures between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit, however, it may tolerate brief reductions to 45 degrees Fahrenheit. However, prolonged temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit will cause the plant to lose its leaves and ultimately die.
Humidity:
False aralia needs humidity conditions of at least 50 percent to survive. To increase humidity, you may mist your plant with water or place its pot on a shallow tray filled with water and stones, ensuring that the bottom of the pot is not submerged in water. A room humidifier may also be used to increase humidity.
Propagation:
False aralia can be propagated quite easily by stem cuttings, seeds, and division. In the spring, cut a large tip from the stem of a mature plant and liberally sprinkle the end in a rooting powder hormone. After that, plant the cutting in a new pot of rich soil that has been fertilized with a water-soluble fertilizer.
False aralia seeds may be planted indoors at any time of year. Because they require sunshine to germinate, sow them on the surface of a damp seed-starting mix. Also, keep the soil temperature between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The seeds might take up to a month to germinate.
Repotting:
False aralia should be repotted once a year in the spring, using general purpose potting soil and a pot just large enough to accommodate the roots. False aralia prefers a small pot. Do not use coarse potting soil or one that is too large, as the root ball might be crushed. If you are repotting in the fall, remove all but 1 inch of the top layer of soil from the pot and put it back only after you have added a few inches of fresh soil. Finally, water well.
Pruning:
False Aralia grows slowly and doesn’t require pruning unless you want to regulate its height. It will eventually shed its lower leaves, revealing a single tree-like trunk. You may maintain it short and shrubby by trimming it back every year. Don’t be scared to cut it back to 6 inches (15 cm) from the earth.
Pests and Diseases:
False Aralia is susceptible to powdery mildew and root rot. Pruning will also help prevent them from spreading. Keep a look out for mealybugs, spider mites, scale, thrips, and whitefly in the cubbyholes and undersides of the leaves. Root rot, leaf spot disease, botrytis, powdery mildew, and southern blight are common diseases.
Can You Prune False Aralia?
False Aralia requires little pruning. It often retains a lovely form on its own. If the plant loses leaves and becomes slender, you can prune it vigorously in the spring to make it bushier. Stem tip cuttings are the greatest method for propagating an aralia.
You should remove any dead leaves because new buds will form in their place. If you wish to propagate a False Aralia, you can chop off some of the lengths of the tree and plant those cuttings in pots. This can be done at any time during the year and will eventually grow roots. They will quickly reach maturity after this process.
When pruning, cut back to the first small leaf, not below it. False Aralia is tough and will grow from these pieces. Pinching out the growing tips also stimulates a lower, bushier growth habit. You should prune off any old, dead leaves on the plant, especially during dormancy.
You should also remove any branches that show signs of splitting, especially after rain. Do not prune during dormancy, or you will damage the plant.
If you are topiary-training your aralia, prune new growth frequently but moderately to maintain its form. If you want to preserve the plant’s natural look, simply remove any damaged leaves or ones that droop too low or are yellowing and dying.
Is False Aralia An Indoor Plant?
False aralia is both a gorgeous indoor plant and an evergreen garden plant that is prized for its feather-like leaves and slender, spreading height. Due to its thin growth pattern, it requires less area. It can also withstand a variety of temperatures.
When growing in full sun, you can expect your false aralia to thrive within a range of 65–85° F (18–30° C). Along with indoor succulents, False Aralia makes a wonderful specimen plant for verandahs and patios. It does well indoors if grown in a container.
False aralias thrive in medium to bright light. They grow perfectly fine in medium-light circumstances, but they grow quicker, fuller, and lusher in brighter places. When the earth begins to dry up, water the false aralias. In winter, it is not a good idea to place the plant in an unheated window or place it near a radiator.
If your false aralia has been growing indoors as a potted houseplant, its container should be repotted every year and potting soil amended with a water-soluble fertilizer. You should also repot your plant in spring when the new leaves are growing.
False aralias need air circulation to thrive and will do better if allowed to dry out between watering. It is a good idea to place the plant on its side or a windowsill for some direct sunlight. Keep your plants away from direct heat sources like hot-water radiators and heaters, as they can damage their stems.
Should I Mist My False Aralia Plant?
False Aralia plants prefer humidity, thus they will benefit from a gentle misting. Keeping them damp might also assist in repelling some pests. Only spider mites and mealybugs are cause for alarm. A significant infestation of spider mites can destroy the plant.
Wipe the undersides of the leaves with an insecticidal soap-soaked soft cloth and spritz the plant twice per day for a week. When misting, do not hit the leaves directly but rather lightly spray from below.
If you see holes or damage on the leaves, then it could be a sign of mites. You don’t want to mist your plant too much or else it could suffocate. You should only mist the plant lightly and try not to hit the leaves directly.
You should only mist the plant lightly. You should not use insecticidal soaps on your plant. They are toxic to it and can cause the leaves to fall off or become damaged. Misting helps to get the moisture in the soil and to reduce moisture stress.
Once you have planted your false aralia outside, you can place a piece of potting soil or coarse sand in a plastic bag and place it in the bottom of the pot. You can also put stones in the pot to help with drainage. You should spray your plant once every few days throughout the summer.