False Aralia Plant Care

False Aralia (Amphidasya elegans) belongs to the Rubiaceae family within the Amphidasya genus. False Aralia is native to Colombia and Ecuador. False Aralia is also known as Ming Aralia, Chusan Palm.

False Aralia displays a compact, bushy shrub growth habit, reaching up to 2.5 ft tall with a spread of approximately 2 ft. False Aralia produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

Water a young or newly planted False Aralia every 7–10 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established shrubs mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

False Aralia thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing False Aralia in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Amphidasya elegans tolerates temperatures of 65–80°F. False Aralia prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss. Good drainage is essential for False Aralia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed False Aralia every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established shrubs in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, acidic soil mix with added organic matter like peat moss. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

False Aralia is suited to USDA Zone 11a – 12b.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped shrubs in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

False Aralia can spread to about 2 ft (0.6 m) and reach about 3 ft (1 m) tall. Space plants about 2 ft (0.6 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the plant spacing calculator.

Prune False Aralia while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the shrub in one year.

False Aralia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 11). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

False Aralia can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering, division. Similar propagation techniques also apply to variegated aspidistra plant care, which shares the same genus.

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False Aralia is susceptible to aphids, spider mites, scale insects. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.

Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.

False Aralia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 11a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 11a. False Aralia is native to Colombia and Ecuador. In cooler regions, grow False Aralia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.