Schefflera, plant care and growing guide

Schefflera or Heptapleurum is a genus that includes about 700 species of flowering shrubs in the Araliaceae family, native to Southeast Asia. In pots, it can last between 5 and 12 years and can reach a height of 1-2.5 m. Due to its appearance, it is also called the “Umbrella tree”. It is strongly branched and it has palmately compound leaves, consisting of 6-8 leaflets with long petioles. The inflorescence grows in a panicle, with white flowers, but it rarely blooms in pots.

Species and varieties

Schefflera arboricola, with dark green leaves, shiny on the topside. Presents several varieties:

  • Janine and Trinette, with longer leaves and white spots;
  • Nora and Renate, with bright green leaves in young specimens and dark green in mature ones.

Schefflera actinophylla resembles the previous species but has larger leaves.

Schefflera variegata has yellow spots on the green leaves.

Environmental conditions

Light. It grows well if it is placed in a bright place, but it must be protected from direct sunlight.

Temperature. During the summer, it needs an optimal temperature of 20-22° C. In winter, the temperature should not fall below 13° C.

Humidity. It is a plant with high requirements for atmospheric humidity, so it is recommended to spray the leaves every day. It is important to use water at room temperature (it should not be too cold).

Substrate. Schefflera needs a light, moist substrate to allow water to drain. A substrate for houseplants can be used.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Watering

Add water moderately, letting the substrate dry before you water the plant again, so as not to suffocate the roots.

Fertilization

During the growing period, May-September, you can administer a special liquid fertilizer for green plants. With the arrival of the cold season, fertilization should stop.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Repotting

It should be done in spring, annually, to a larger pot.

Pruning

It is recommended to cut the long branches every spring, in order to maintain the desired shape.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Pests

Woolly apple aphids, thrips, mites, and citrus flatid planthopper (Metcalfa pruinosa) can infest the plant.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
Propagation

Schefflera can be propagated through seeds or cuttings. Most often it is preferred to propagate it through stem cuttings, harvested in spring-summer.

Recommended products

Read carefully and follow the instructions on the label of each product
In addition:
  • the sap of Schefflera plants contains crystals of calcium oxalate, toxic to humans and animals, so it is recommended to wear gloves when you harvest the cuttings.
  • excessive watering causes the yellowing and dropping of the leaves.
  • in optimal growth environmental conditions, sometimes Schefflera can develop aerial roots.
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