Finger Aralia Plant Care

Finger Aralia (Rhopalocarpus alternifolius) belongs to the Sphaerosepalaceae family within the Rhopalocarpus genus. Finger Aralia is native to Madagascar. Finger Aralia is also known as Umbrella Plant.

Finger Aralia displays a tall, slender tree growth habit, reaching up to 10 ft tall with a spread of approximately 5 ft. Finger Aralia produces small, fragrant white flowers in clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 4 inches.

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

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

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

Loamy, well-draining soil mix with added peat moss and perlite. Good drainage is essential for Finger Aralia to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Finger Aralia every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees 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 loamy, well-draining soil mix with added peat moss and perlite. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Finger Aralia is suited to USDA Zone 13b.

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

Finger Aralia can spread to about 5 ft (1.5 m) and reach about 10 ft (3 m) tall. Space plants about 5 ft (1.5 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 tree spacing calculator.

Prune Finger 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 tree in one year.

Finger Aralia is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Finger Aralia can be propagated through seeds, stem cuttings. Similar propagation techniques also apply to louvel's butterfly tree plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Finger Aralia is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, mealybugs. 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.

Finger Aralia grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13b. It survives winters down to planting zone 13b. Finger Aralia is native to Madagascar. In cooler regions, grow Finger Aralia as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.