False Aralias.
Dizygotheca (dizzy-goth-ick-uh), commonly known as False Aralia, is a graceful plant for bright locations in the house. Its most popular variety, aralia elegantissima, is well named because when healthy and full, they are indeed elegant to display. Some may consider its serrated leaflets to resemble the marijuana plant!
False Aralias are not plants for novices or those who enjoy easy-care varieties, but shouldn’t present too much of a challenge for those who are willing to pay a bit of attention to the plant’s needs. It can be picky about temperature, humidity, and watering, is attractive to spider mites, and tends to drop leaves if anything goes wrong. Usually the leaves that drop are the older, bottom ones; occasional leaf drop is quite common on most houseplants. Still, if too many leaves fall, the plant can get rather lanky and bare, so you’ll want to make sure to catch and fix any problems as soon as they crop up.
Temperature: Average. Don’t keep False Aralias in a room that drops below 60 degrees F. If the temperature is too warm, the plant may wilt. Also, try to maintain a constant temperature around the plant and avoid drafts.
Light: False Aralias like bright indirect light. They’re not plants to keep right in the window, but a bright room is essential.
Water: As with most foliage plants, water moderately Spring through Autumn and sparingly in the winter. Let the soil dry out slightly between waterings, which means that if it’s dry on top and moist about an inch down from the surface, it’s time to add water. Never let the soil dry out completely. If it’s too dry, it will drop leaves. If it’s too wet, the plant will wilt, then drop leaves later.
Humidity: Provide a fairly humid environment by using pebble trays and misting frequently. This is especially important during the winter.
Re-potting: Every two years or so, if needed, re-pot into a slightly different container. Spring is the best time to do this.
Propagation: It’s not easy to propagate False Aralias. Most are grown in nurseries from seed. If you want to try, though, take stem cuttings in the Spring and use a rooting hormone.