Aralia Plant Identification ( Plerandra Elegantissima )

Aralia Plant Identification Guide

Botanical Name: Plerandra elegantissima

Native Country: Mountain woodlands of Australia, Africa, Asia, North, South and Central America

Its family Araliaceae consists of 68 such species of deciduous trees, shrubs and rhizomatous herbaceous perennials. Aralia only manages to reach up to only 20 inches. The flowers are small and white-green in color. Arranged in terminal panicles, the flowering season is followed by berry-like dark purple fruits, which are very popular with birds. However, indoors the flowers are a rarity.  They need bright indirect light but with strict watering and care regime, they can grow as bonsai in low light conditions too.

Tips:

The leaves of Aralia can be of light green or dark green colour. The variegated leaves can also have splashes of different colour of green and cream, only adding to the beauty of this houseplant.

This Aralia plant needs care and hence, it is advised that if you have just started out gardening, you try some other plant first as Aralia can’t withstand both overwatering and underwatering. While the first could lead to the rotting of the rots, the latter can result in wilting and shedding of the leaves.

The Aralia plant is poisonous and therefore it is advised, that you keep it out of the reach of kids and pets.  Wash your hands thoroughly or wear gloves when you tend to it.  Aralia contains saponins that can cause nausea, vomiting, gastro irritation and diarrhea in humans or pets. It is recommended to grow aralia plants in small containers and pots so that there isn’t excess water as it can lead to rotting of the roots.

The plant is available in so many forms and thus, giving out the option to Aralia plant lover to enjoy the dash of beauty and nature in varied form.