The black aralia plant is a stunning showcase garden ornament for indoors or outdoors. It can be kept in multiple places in your home. It is famed for its near black, deep purple foliage and gracefully arching habit, this plant adds an entirely new color scheme to environments where most homeowners only showcase the other shades across their common green houseplants.
Today, in this guide, we will have a look at the basic features of the Black Aralia Plant and how you could grow it in your own home or garden. So, let’s get started!
Why does this Black Aralia Become a Special Plant?
Black Aralia comes from tropical regions in Southeast Asia and the Pacific Islands. It is a member of the family Araliaceae, in common with the popular Fatsia plant and Ginseng. A black aralia is recognizable because of its rich, dark leaves that could be black or very deep green with a purple tone.
The Black Aralia requires a little more maintenance than others on this list. And it can be grown inside and out and is more striking than your usual houseplants. The fact that this crassula is slow-growing and grows tree-like through the years makes it highly revered.
Black Aralia Plant Features
Black Aralia is named for its shiny black leaves, which are similar to the other versions but with deeper coloring. The leaves are big, deeply lobed, and usually have almost a leathery feel. It is because of these leaves that this plant is so wanted by collectors and home gardeners alike.
Indoors, Black Aralia grows 3 to 5 feet tall; outdoors or in large indoor containers, they may reach up to eight feet. The plant has a fantastic vertical growth form, so it is great for filling some narrow spaces in your place or adding height to other houseplants.
Foliage: The leaves of the Black Aralia are coarsely serrated or lobed, which makes for a thick, bushy plant. Dark green to basically black in hue, they offer an air of elegance and a certain level of depth to any room.
Growth Pattern: The Black Aralia falls under the category of slow-growing tropical plants, so you won’t have to worry about frequent pruning or repotting. That slow growth does, however, make it a great plant for the lazy or if you want something more dapper but without constant maintenance.
Black Aralia Optimum Growing Conditions
The key to growing a healthy Black Aralia plant knows how and when your particular species of tree looks its best. It is fairly resilient and can acclimatize to different conditions, but replicating its natural tropical environment will be the most beneficial. Let’s know the details!
- Light
Black Aralia likes bright, indirect light. By keeping the plant near a sun-filtered window, it will retain its lush and deep-colored leaves. Prevent the plant from appearing in direct sunlight, which can burn its leaves and lessen their dark remains.
It will still remain alive in lower light, but the growth can also slow down additionally, and leaves might lose vibrancy.
- Temperature
The Black Aralia is a tropical plant and thrives in warmer conditions. It is at its best in temperatures between 65°F and 80°F. It is sensitive to the cold and invites leaf drop along with stress in temperatures below 55°F.
If you are growing Black Aralia outside, be sure to move it inside when the temperature falls; this plant has no ability to weather a frost.
- Humidity
But Black Aralia really likes high humidity, as it seems to yearn for home back in the tropics. Increase Humidity If the air in your home is dry, particularly during the winter months, add humidity. This can be done through regular misting, using a humidity tray with water and rocks in it, or even placing it near a humidifier.
With not enough humidity in the environment, it will cause your rubber plant to have dry leaves and brown edges on its leaves, which is very unattractive as well, added with less health of the tree.
- Soil
Black Aralia needs well-draining soil. The best is a good-quality potting mix, one that retains moisture but also provides ample drainage. If the roots become waterlogged, you can improve the drainage by mixing perlite or sand into a fast-draining soil.
The plant prefers the pH of soil between slightly acidic and neutral; hence, stay away from too many alkaline soils as they can cause a reduction in the absorption of nutrients.
- Watering
Black Aralia Health Benefits Keeping the Soil Moist This plant thrives on moist soil. But we need to watch out for overwatering as well. Every 2-3 watering or when the top-inch soil is dry to prevent root rot. For the most part, water when soil is dry to touch.
Reduce Your Watering Frequency in the winter: Since there’s not as much photosynthesis taking place, watering a few times less is better for when it gets colder.
Black Aralia special caring tips
A few basic care tips will keep your Black Aralia looking beautiful and healthy for years to come after you get the right environment settled. Here are some basic and most effective caring tips-
- Pruning
Pruning black aralia keeps like with all plants, older leaves turn yellow and drop off after a while, but removing any dead or damaged foliage encourages the plant to produce fresh green growth. Pinching the tops of the plant to maintain height and encourage lateral growth is a great way you could go about it too.
- Fertilizing
During the spring and through to fall, regular fertilization is necessary as part of a Black Aralia care routine. The plant requires a well-balanced, water-soluble fertilizer given once per month to feed the needed nutrients for thriving and lush foliage. Regular fertilizer would also not be necessary in the winter (if slow growth is normal for that time of year).
- Repotting
The fact that the Black Aralia is a slow grower must be mentioned here; repotting will not have to happen often. Repot the plant every 2-3 years or when it outgrows its current container. Opt for a pot that is just 1 size bigger than the current one, and use plenty of fresh, well-draining planting medium.
Common Issues and Solutions
A black aralia, just like any plant, may face a few challenges, but most issues can be easily solved with the right care.
Leaf drop: If you have been experiencing a sudden loss of leaves lately, your plant might be reacting to an environmental stress such as cold drafts or dry air. Make sure that the plant is grown in a stable, warm environment with enough humidity.
Yellowing leaves: Yellow colored leaves are a bad sign of overwatering. It needs to be cured. Monitor the level of moisture in your soil, and water appropriately as needed. Be sure the plant is not standing in water, as this can cause root rot.
Black Aralia is relatively pest-resistant but may attract spider mites, aphids, or scale insects. Keep a close eye on the plant every now and then, characteristically inspect as well as treat cities with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Why do you need to develop black aralia plant?
As a plant enthusiast, you can immediately include the Black Aralia plant in your home or garden, giving it an elegant and exotic touch. So making an argument for buying this game may seem less of a tough sell. Still, here are some reasons to consider adding it to your collection-
- Eye-catching Appearance
The Black Aralia has deep and dark leaves that make it stand out in comparison to most other common household plants with a statement of luxury.
- Minimal Care
The Black Aralia may seem exotic, but it is extremely low-maintenance and perfect for beginner gardeners.
- An air-purifying plant
Black Aralia, as with many house plants, will help to improve the quality of our indoor air.
- Elegant
The Black Aralia, however it is grown, as an indoor plant or one that populates your tropical garden will command attention and provide the ornamental depth we desire.
Conclusion
What is a black aralia plant? The Black Aralia plant is a standout choice for any serious plant trader or collector. It is stunning with its bold, dark foliage, and easy care makes it beautiful yet no-fuss. Give it enough light, water, and humidity with care for years to come for the graciously shaped exotic plant.
The Black Aralia plant is beautiful to begin with, so it can take any form that you would want out of an indoor or garden shrub.
