False Aralia, scientifically known as Plerandra elegantissima (and formerly Schefflera elegantissima), is a popular houseplant appreciated for its distinctive and airy foliage. Its unique appearance, particularly the intricate patterns and changing hues of its leaves, makes it a favored choice for indoor spaces.
Understanding False Aralia Leaf Colors
False Aralia leaves undergo a natural color transformation as they mature. Young leaves often emerge with striking shades of reddish, coppery, or burgundy tones. As these leaves age, they gradually deepen in hue. Mature foliage typically transitions to a rich dark green, blackish-green, or even a deep purplish-black, exhibiting a glossy texture. This progression from warmer, lighter tones to deeper, darker greens is a normal part of the plant’s development.
Factors Influencing False Aralia Color
The intensity and depth of a False Aralia’s leaf color are influenced by its environment. Light exposure is a primary factor determining how vibrant and deep the mature leaf colors become. Adequate bright, indirect light promotes more intense and richer dark green or blackish-green tones in mature foliage. Conversely, if the plant does not receive enough light, its foliage may appear lighter and less vibrant.
Insufficient light can also cause leaves to become smaller and less colorful, and the plant might grow leggy as it stretches towards a light source. Direct, harsh sunlight can scorch the delicate leaves, causing them to turn brown or yellow. Maintaining consistent plant health through proper watering and nutrient availability also supports the development of well-colored leaves.
Diverse False Aralia Cultivars and Their Unique Colors
Beyond the typical color progression of the species, several False Aralia cultivars offer distinct and stable color patterns, providing a wider range of aesthetic options. The ‘Galaxy’ cultivar is known for its very dark green, almost black, shiny leaves, which are often less finely divided than those of other varieties. This deep, uniform coloration gives ‘Galaxy’ a sleek and elegant appearance.
A variation, ‘Variegated Galaxy’, features similar dark green leaflets but with a striking contrast of golden or creamy edges. This variegation adds a bright border to the deep green centers. Another cultivar, ‘Gold Crest’, displays lighter green leaves that are often edged with prominent golden margins or splashes. The feathery appearance of its leaves, combined with the golden accents, makes ‘Gold Crest’ a popular choice.
The ‘Olympia’ cultivar is notable for its dynamic coloration, presenting dark green leaves intermingled with shades of red and violet. The intensity of these red and violet hues in ‘Olympia’ can vary, often becoming more pronounced with increased sun exposure. This cultivar offers a complex and evolving color palette.
Colors Beyond the Leaves
While the leaves are the most prominent feature of the False Aralia, other parts of the plant also contribute to its overall coloration. The stems of the False Aralia are typically dark green and often display distinctive white mottling or maculate patterns. This gives the stems a subtly patterned appearance.
The flowers of the False Aralia are generally small and inconspicuous, appearing green in color. These blooms are rarely observed on indoor plants, typically only forming on mature specimens grown outdoors. Following successful flowering, the plant may produce small, round fruits that are usually brown or black when they reach maturity.