{"product_id":"dizygotheca-elegantissima-castor-false-aralia","title":"Dizygotheca elegantissima ‘Castor’ – False Aralia","description":"\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eDizygotheca elegantissima\u003c\/i\u003e ‘Castor’, commonly known as False Aralia, is an elegant tropical houseplant admired for its delicate, finely divided foliage and distinctive architectural growth habit. Its slender, finger-like leaflets feature beautifully serrated edges and deep green to bronze colouring, creating an almost feathery appearance. With its upright stems and graceful foliage, this unusual plant makes a wonderful statement piece for a bright indoor space.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p3\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eScientific Name\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e\u003cbr\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003ePlerandra elegantissima\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e ‘Castor’ (formerly \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eDizygotheca elegantissima\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e ‘Castor’ and \u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eSchefflera elegantissima\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e\u003cspan class=\"s2\"\u003e)\u003c\/span\u003e\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eCommon Name(s)\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFalse Aralia, Castor False Aralia, Threadleaf Aralia\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eOrigin\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eA cultivated selection of \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003ePlerandra elegantissima\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e, a species native to New Caledonia in the South Pacific, where it grows in warm, humid tropical forests.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eLight\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate moderate light levels. Avoid strong direct sunlight, which can scorch the delicate foliage. A position near an east-facing window or slightly back from a bright south or west-facing window is ideal.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eWater\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eWater when the top few centimetres of soil have dried, then water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain away. Keep the compost lightly moist during active growth but avoid waterlogging. Reduce watering slightly during autumn and winter, but avoid allowing the root ball to dry out completely for prolonged periods.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eHumidity\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrefers moderate to high humidity, ideally around 50–70%. Higher humidity helps maintain healthy foliage and prevent crispy leaf edges. Keep away from radiators and other sources of hot, dry air.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSoil\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eUse a rich, airy and well-draining houseplant mix. A combination of peat-free compost, perlite and fine orchid bark works well, allowing the roots to retain some moisture while maintaining good drainage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eFood\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFeed every 4–6 weeks during spring and summer with a balanced liquid houseplant fertiliser diluted to half strength. Reduce feeding during autumn and winter when growth slows.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eTemperature\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003ePrefers warm temperatures between 18–27°C. Protect from cold draughts, sudden temperature changes and prolonged temperatures below 15°C.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003ePet-safe\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eThere is limited reliable information about the toxicity of \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003ePlerandra elegantissima\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e to cats and dogs. As a precaution, keep out of reach of pets and children.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eSprouts Top Tips\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eFalse Aralias appreciate consistency, so avoid frequently moving your ‘Castor’ or exposing it to sudden changes in temperature and humidity. Give it plenty of bright, indirect light and maintain slightly moist but well-drained soil.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eIf your plant begins dropping leaves, check for cold draughts, dry air or changes in watering, as these are common causes of stress.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eExtras\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003e‘Castor’ develops an upright, branching growth habit and can gradually become a substantial indoor plant. Its finely divided foliage gives it a light, airy appearance, making it particularly attractive in contemporary and tropical-inspired interiors.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003eAs the plant matures, its leaves may become broader and less finely divided, creating a noticeably different appearance from its younger foliage.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p1\"\u003e\u003cb\u003eDid You Know?\u003c\/b\u003e\u003cbr\u003eDespite its common name, False Aralia is not a true Aralia, although both belong to the Araliaceae family.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp class=\"p4\"\u003eThis plant has also undergone several botanical name changes, having previously been classified as \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eDizygotheca\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e and \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003eSchefflera\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e before being placed in the genus \u003cspan class=\"s1\"\u003e\u003ci\u003ePlerandra\u003c\/i\u003e\u003c\/span\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e","brand":"Sprouts of Bristol","offers":[{"title":"6cm","offer_id":58915386917245,"sku":"9692039752971","price":6.0,"currency_code":"GBP","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0490\/2774\/3905\/files\/IMG_5419-19.jpg?v=1792593949","url":"https:\/\/sproutsofbristol.co.uk\/es\/products\/dizygotheca-elegantissima-castor-false-aralia","provider":"Sprouts of Bristol","version":"1.0","type":"link"}