Scientific Name Dizygotheca elegantissima (most elegant non-identical plant)
Common Name False Aralia, Ming Aralia
Origin Originates in New Caledonia, just off the Northeast coast of Australia.
Description The False Aralia is a beautiful plant with its thin, dark green, copper-gilded leaves and tall stems. This plant is happy with lots of different light levels, so is suitable for many different positions in the home! Just keep an eye on how much water it's getting and it will reward you with plenty of eyecatching foliage. Light Can stand any level of indirect light, and maybe some weak direct sun in winter. Yellowing is a sign of sun scorch; keep it out of direct sun in the warmer half of the year. Water Allow only the top third of the soil to dry out between waters, and reduce watering in winter. Lower leaves turning yellow is a sign of underwatering; this plant doesn't like being persistently dry.
Humidity This plant likes a humid environment and will benefit from the introduction of a humidity tray or regular misting, and hosing down. If the humidity is too low the leaves may start to brown and curl. Soil Use a well-draining and moisture-retentive soil; a mix designed for Ficus plants will work well here. Repot every couple of years in Spring as the plant grows.
Food Feed every four waters in the growing season, reduce to every six in autumn and winter. Temperature Ideal temperature is 15-24°C; make sure it does not get colder than 13°C in winter.
Pet-safe No, this plant is toxic to pets and small humans.
Sprouts Top Tips If the new growth is coming through brown and crispy, this is a sign of too much sun and too little water. However, if it's in a darker spot look out for rapidly yellowing lower leaves which is the first sign of waterlogging in the roots.
We have launched our first (hopefully monthly) ‘Letter from the Founder’ blog post. I talk about a string of bad luck, from water gushing from various ceilings in my life to a break-in, and also reflect on the incredible work we have done to win two awards earlier this year. I look ahead to what’s coming up in August, projects we are working on with our clients, and some thoughts about the rest of the year. And I give an insight into my brain, why I am who I am and why I’m so thankful for all the opportunities, passion and excitement that running Sprouts has given me as a founder and as a woman.