Question
I received a plant as part of a collection - i would like to know what it is and how to keep it from dying.  Its about 8 inches tall, looks like a tiny group of three trees, elongated leaves with jagged edges.  Leaves are green with a very light green edging.  The leaves feel delicate and are set three to a slender stalk.  I keep the soil moist but the leaves are still drying up and dying.  Any ideas?

Answer
Hi Kerri,

I believe you have a false aralia (Dizygotheca elegantissima). If you want to send a photo of it to my address listed below, I can confirm the ID and perhaps add some additional device.

False aralias are among the plants quickest to react dramatically to any stress. Bright indirect light is a must; try to locate it in front of a north or east window. Once you have it in an appropriate location, keep it their permanently. Otherwise it will have to acclimate all over again to a new environment.

They also require a stable environment with regular watering that keeps the soil evenly moist. A single late watering or moderate overwatering can cause sudden leaf drop. Water your aralia as soon as the surface of the soil feels dry.

High humidity helps, but is not essential. Skip the fertilizer entirely for now. If your plant is thriving next spring, then you can fertilize at half strength monthly while it is growing vigorously.

Warm, even temps above 65 degrees are also important. Avoid cold drafts and warm drafts from heaters.

If you recently repotted yours, that may be the cause of the dying leaves.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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