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I still remember the first time I brought home a Schefflera ( It was a recondite green Schefflera amate ) .
I had no estimation what I was doing , but the shiny green leaves and umbrella - like form totally pulled me in . tight forward a few years , and I ’ve finally figured out how to keep this beauty alive and thriving .
So , if you ’re staring at a Schefflera properly now wondering why it await a little sad , or you ’re think about get one , you ’re in the correct place .
Here ’s everything I ’ve larn about Schefflera plant care without the tedious poppycock .
Schefflera (Umbrella Plant) Description
Schefflera , often called theumbrella plant(you’ll know why when you see the folio shape ) , is a tropical plant originally from Australia and parts of Asia .
It ’s super popular as a houseplant because it ’s low - maintenanceifyou give it what it wants . There are a few different type , but the most vulgar areSchefflera arboricola(the dwarf variation ) andSchefflera actinophylla(which make much large ) .
These plant can grow several feet tall indoors , and with the right care , they ’ll look lush and graceful class - round .
The best part ?
They do n’t need to be fussed over every day . But they do have ‘ opinions ’ and they ’ll show them if something ’s off .
Types of Schefflera: Which one’s right for you?
There are actually quite a few unlike varieties of Schefflera , and they each have their own characteristic .
There are others , but these are the most pop ones you ’ll run into at greenhouse or garden centers .
How to Propagate Schefflera Plants
Scheffleras are super fun to propagate , specially if you love the idea of turning one plant into many . The gentle method ? Stem cuttings .
Here ’s how I do it :
It usually takes a few weeks to see novel roots . Once they ’re about an inch long , you’re able to pot the clipping in regular soil . I ’ve had the best fortune doing this in spring or other summer .
Planting Schefflera in Pots
Schefflera do really well in container , as long as the pot has skillful drain .
I ’ve found that charge plate or ceramic skunk with drainage holes work best . invalidate anything without holes unless you ’re really confident with your watering .
When planting in a pot , start with fresh potting mix ( something well - draining , like I mentioned above ) . Choose a weed that ’s just a couple of inches broad than the ascendent glob .
Schefflera actually prefers to be a little snuggery .
Too much way can conduct to overwatering job .
And make certain you lift your sight slightly or use a saucer to overhear superfluous water . Nobody want a waste bottom .
Schefflera Plant Care: Tips and Tricks
Light exposure
genus Schefflera love bright , indirect light .
Think near a gay window but not powerful in the direct sunray . Too much unmediated sunlight can scorch the leave ( been there , done that ) . On the other handwriting , too little lighter and it ’ll startle getting leggy and dropping parting quicker than I drop responsibility on a Friday afternoon .
If your genus Schefflera is n’t getting enough light , you ’ll remark the parting turning yellow and falling off . That ’s its way of say , “ Hey , help oneself me out here . ”
gratuity : If you ’ve got sheer curtains or a north- or east - facing windowpane , that ’s usually perfect . And if all else fails , a good grow luminousness works wonders .
Watering and soil moisture
This plant isveryclear about one thing : do n’t lease it sit in soggy soil . Overwatering is the bit one way to vote out a genus Schefflera . ( Many have done it . )
rent the top inch or two of soil dry out between waterings . Stick your finger in the pot . If it feel juiceless , it ’s time to water . If it ’s still damp , give it a few days . And when you irrigate , go all in , thoroughly soak the soil until water system run out out the bottom .
Just ensure you empty the disk afterward . Nobody likes wet human foot , least of all a genus Schefflera .
Humidity and Temperature
Since it ’s a tropical plant , Schefflera likes it warm and slimly humid , but not rainforest - level humidness .
Normal household humidness is usually fine , but if your tune is extremely dry ( especially in winter ) , it ’s worth misting it every few day or using a minor humidifier nearby . Here ’s a list of thebest humidifiersfor plant .
They ’re happiest between 60–75 ° F ( 16–24 ° degree centigrade ) . Keep them away from drafts , heaters , or air conditioners . I once parked mine too penny-pinching to a vent , and permit ’s just say it respond with an instant leaf dump .
Potting Soil/Mix
Regular potting mix is o.k. , but if you could , go for a well - draining mix .
I like mixing potting soil with a bit of perlite or sand to meliorate drainage . Anything that prevents H2O from hanging out too long is a profits .
If your genus Schefflera is in dirt that remain wet for too long , origin buncombe can sic in , and that ’s really strong to bounce back from .
Fertilizer application
During the growing time of year ( bounce and summer ) , give it a Venus’s curse of balanced fluid plant food once a month . I use a 10 - 10 - 10 mix stretch to half strength .
Do n’t exaggerate it . More fertiliser does n’t mean riotous growth , it just leads to burnt source and lamentable vibes .
In gloam and winter , you could take a break from feed . The works ’s growth of course slow up down , and it wo n’t be as hungry .
Pruning your schefflera
One of the cool things about Schefflera is that you’re able to clip it to control its conformation . If it ’s getting too grandiloquent or leggy , just clip the top off ( yep , it ’ll live on ) . New branches will sprout from the cut , pee it bushier .
I in reality revel prune mine , it ’s kind of like giving it a haircut . Plus , it help prevent it from turning into a lanky wad .
Repotting every couple of years
If you notice roots poking out the bottom of the pot or your Schefflera is drying out passing fast , it might be time to repot . Typically , every 2–3 years is undecomposed . Just go up one pot size at a time . Do n’t go too big , or the filth can stay too wet .
And expend that as a chance to refresh the soil and contain for any root issues . If you espy brownish , schmalzy roots , trim those off before repotting .
Common Issues (and how to fix them)
Leaf drib : This is the plant life ’s fashion of resist . It could be too much water , not enough light , or sudden temperature alteration . initiate with those and adjust .
pasty leafage or contraband sooty mold?You might have aphid or exfoliation . pass over the leaf clean and handle with insecticidal easy lay or neem oil .
Leggy growth : It ’s probably not getting enough light . Move it to a bright spot and consider crop .
Overwintering
If you survive inUSDA zone 10–12 , you’re able to grow Schefflera outside all twelvemonth .
Lucky you !
It actually fly high outdoors in tender , humid climates and can get quite large .
But if you live somewhere that get frosty , keep it in a toilet so you may add it indoors when temperature throw below 50 ° degree Fahrenheit ( 10 ° C ) .
Conclusion
Honestly , Scheffleras are outstanding once you get the hang of them . They do n’t ask for much , but they will let you know when something ’s not right .
I ’ve found that they ’re a perfect “ level - up ” works . Something to move on to afterpothosorsnake plants .
And there ’s something fulfill about watching those umbrella - shaped leaves unfold . It just adds life to a space .
If you ’ve got a Schefflera or are considering bugger off one , I say go for it . Give it some sparkle , do n’t submerge it , and check in on it now and then .
That ’s all the industrial plant motive .
