How to Grow and Care for Plerandra

Plerandra elegantissima (formerly called Schefflera elegantissima and Dizygotheca elegantissima) also known as false aralia is a species of flowering plant in the family Araliaceae, native to New Caledonia. Growing to 8 to 15 m tall by 2 m broad, it is an evergreen shrub or tree. Its leaves are thin, coppery red to dark green with toothed edges. This plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.

The 'gold crest' of gold crest false aralia refers to its cream-tinged leaf margins which make it stand out from its green-leaved parent. This tropical native is often grown as a houseplant in cooler climates. Its complex lobed leaves offer plenty of ornamental appeal and provide an eye-catching contrast when placed next to large-leaved plants.