Plerandra plants, often called False Aralia, offer striking ornamental appeal with their unique, finely divided foliage. They are popular choices for indoor environments and suitable landscape additions in warmer climates. Their delicate leaves provide a distinctive texture that can enhance any living space.
Understanding Plerandra
Plerandra, specifically Plerandra elegantissima (also known by older botanical names like Dizygotheca elegantissima or Schefflera elegantissima), is an evergreen shrub or small tree in the Araliaceae family. Its distinguishing feature is its palmately compound leaves, which are dark green, glossy, and have serrated edges. Young plants display narrower, coppery-red to dark green leaves, while mature specimens develop broader, less glossy foliage.
Native to the tropical rainforests of New Caledonia, Plerandra thrives in warm, humid conditions. While they can reach up to 15 meters (49 feet) in their natural habitat, they typically remain 2 to 3 meters (7 to 10 feet) when cultivated indoors. The plant rarely produces its small, greenish flowers or black fruits when grown inside.
Plerandra Care Essentials
Light Requirements
Plerandra thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing the plant near a window with filtered light, such as a south or west-facing window, is ideal. While it can tolerate lower light, growth may slow, and foliage might lose some vibrant coloration. Direct, harsh sunlight, especially in the afternoon, can scorch delicate leaves, causing them to turn black or brown.
Watering Practices
Maintaining consistent soil moisture is beneficial for Plerandra, but avoid waterlogging to prevent root rot. Water the plant when the top inch or two (2.5-5 cm) of soil feels dry to the touch. It is better for the soil to dry out slightly between waterings than to remain constantly soggy. Ensure the pot has adequate drainage holes to allow excess water to escape, and discard any water that collects in the saucer.
Soil and Potting
Plerandra prefers a well-draining soil mix that also retains some moisture. A suitable potting mix includes peat, perlite, and standard potting soil to ensure good aeration and drainage. The soil should also be rich in organic matter to support the plant’s nutritional needs. When repotting, which is usually needed every two to three years, choose a pot only one size larger and ensure it has drainage holes.
Temperature and Humidity
Plerandra thrives in average room temperatures, ideally between 18-29°C (65-85°F). It is sensitive to cold temperatures; prolonged exposure below 7°C (45°F) can harm the plant and cause leaf drop. High humidity is also beneficial for Plerandra, with levels of at least 50%. To increase humidity, consider using a humidifier, placing the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, or grouping the plant with other humidity-loving plants.
Fertilization
During its active growing season, from spring through late summer, Plerandra benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half the recommended strength, every four to six weeks. Alternatively, feeding once every other month or bi-weekly with a high-nitrogen solution may be suitable during this period. Reduce or stop fertilization entirely during autumn and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows.
Common Plerandra Problems
Plerandra can experience several issues, often stemming from environmental factors or pests. Yellowing leaves indicate overwatering, where roots are suffocating from lack of oxygen in saturated soil. Conversely, yellowing lower leaves that are curling and crisp signal underwatering, indicating the plant is conserving moisture by shedding older foliage. Brown or black leaf edges point to too much direct sunlight or insufficient humidity.
Pests such as spider mites, mealybugs, aphids, and scale insects can infest Plerandra. These sap-sucking insects can cause yellowing, distorted leaves, and stunted growth. Regular inspection of the foliage, especially the undersides, helps in early detection. Root rot, a common disease, is a result of persistent overwatering and can lead to rapidly yellowing leaves, mushy stems, and a rotten base. If root rot is suspected, inspect the roots for brown, mushy sections.
Propagating Plerandra
Propagating Plerandra is commonly achieved through stem cuttings. Take cuttings in spring or early summer when the plant is actively growing. Each cutting should be 4 to 6 inches long and have at least one node, where new roots and shoots will emerge. Remove the lower leaves from the cutting, leaving only a few at the top.
Insert the prepared cuttings into a moist rooting medium, such as a mix of peat and perlite or sand. Ensuring the medium is consistently moist but not waterlogged supports root development. Maintaining a warm and humid environment is beneficial for successful rooting. Placing a plastic bag loosely over the pot or using a propagation dome can help create the necessary humidity. New root formation can take several weeks; gentle tugging on the cutting will indicate resistance when roots have developed.