Schefflera
( SHEF - ler - uh )
At-A-Glance InformationThis genus of evergreen shrubs and trees, commonly called Umbrella Plant or Umbrella Tree, needs regular water and some shade in hotter climates. These plants can also be grown indoors if provided with bright, indirect light. They are fast growing and add a tropical look to both outdoor and greenhouse gardens. Flowers appear in some species, blooming in summertime. Flowers are followed by tiny black fruits Schefflera make great container plants on patios and lanais.
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Schefflera Species and Varietals
The best growing zones for Schefflera vary depending on the species. They can be grown in any zone indoors if given the proper amount of bright, indirect sunlight. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.
Schefflera actinophylla (Brassaia actinophylla) (Queensland Umbrella Tree, Octopus Tree, Schefflera) This species is best in zones 21-24, H1 and H2, but can also be grown in zones 16-20 if given adequate protection. It reaches 20-40 feet tall quickly, and spreads out to be just as wide. Foliage grows in tiers, and flowers age from greenish-yellow to pink and then fade to dark red. Overgrown plants can be cut back nearly to the ground, and will regrow. Use for tropical effect; great when contrasted with the foliage of ferns and other plants. |
Schefflera elegantissima (Diygotheca elegantissima) This species is great in zones 16, 17, 22-24, H1 and H2 and is native to New Caledonia. It reaches 25 feet tall at maturity and just as wide, though it can be kept in a container indoors, where it will be markedly more compact. Foliage is shiny and dark green on top, reddish underneath. The plant branches as it matures, and leaves become a bit less glossy. Flowers are borne in clusters and are yellow-green. |
Caring for and pruning schefflera shrubs
Plant your Schefflera plant in an area that receives bright filtered light or dappled shade. These plants can tolerate morning sun, but should have protection from direct afternoon rays. Ensure that soil is well-draining before planting, and amend with plenty of organic material to ensure that soil is rich in nutrients. Water consistently so that the soil is kept evenly moist, and water deeply when the top inch of soil becomes dry. During the warmer months of the year, Schefflera may need extra waterings and more protection from sun. Reduce watering in wintertime when the plant is in its dormancy. They love humidity, but are also tolerant of dry air conditions.
Pruning these shrubs and trees is pretty straightforward; it is usually only necessary when there is leggy growth or if you have dead or damaged foliage or branches. The best time to prune is in spring or summertime, when the plant can grow back quickly. Avoid heavy pruning in winter months. Because of their large foliage, young plants may need to be staked as they develop a strong branching system, especially when grown as trees. if you are growing your Schefflera in a container, it will need to be potted up every 2-3 years to avoid becoming root-bound.
Pruning these shrubs and trees is pretty straightforward; it is usually only necessary when there is leggy growth or if you have dead or damaged foliage or branches. The best time to prune is in spring or summertime, when the plant can grow back quickly. Avoid heavy pruning in winter months. Because of their large foliage, young plants may need to be staked as they develop a strong branching system, especially when grown as trees. if you are growing your Schefflera in a container, it will need to be potted up every 2-3 years to avoid becoming root-bound.
Propagation
Schefflera can be propagated either by using cuttings or from seed. To ensure that your propagated plant will have the exact same qualities and characteristics as the parent plant, use the cutting method. If you would like to experiment and see what plant you can grow from seed, just keep in mind that it will not necessarily be the same as the parent plant. To propagate your plant, follow the instructions below:
Propagating Schefflera by Cutting
Propagating Schefflera by Seed
Propagating Schefflera by Cutting
- Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand.
- In spring or early summertime, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that this plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances your cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6 inch portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
- Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. Your pot should be kept in warm, sunny conditions indoors (and not in direct sunlight). Water whenever your soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, your cutting should be rooted. When you notice new growth on your propagated Abutilon, you'll know you have roots.
- Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring, when you can transplant it to its new home. Ensure that the last frost of the year has occurred before doing this, as it can seriously damage your new shrub.
Propagating Schefflera by Seed
- Keep in mind that the plant you get from seed will not necessarily mimic all of the characteristics of the parent plant. To propagate by seed, you will need a paper bag, a pot or tray filled with well-draining compost or other organic material, a spray bottle and a fork. If you don't have any potting medium on hand, you can make some. Just mix together equal parts (by volume) moss peat and horticultural-grade sand or grit sand. You will also, after a few weeks, need individual 3-inch pots for each seedling that grows.
- Water your prepared seed tray or pot filled with soil, and ensure that good drainage is occurring. Place your seeds in your prepared pot or seed tray about a quarter inch to a half-inch under the soil surface. Cover them with soil and water with your spray bottle. Place your tray of seeds in a warm area that receives bright, indirect light. A greenhouse is the most ideal climate, but a planting tray inside a window will do as well. Germination usually takes 7-14 days from sowing. Once you begin to see seedlings sprout and they are able to be handled, transplant them to their own individual 3-inch pots, filled with the same potting medium as described in Step 1. Loosen the seedlings from the potting medium by digging down with the tines of your fork about an inch and a half, gently working the seedling up until it is out. Then, replant the seedling in its individual pot.
- Keep the seedling's potting medium moist, but not wet, by spraying the soil with your spray bottle. Keep your new plant in an area with bright light (though not direct sunlight) and temperatures between 55 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit. Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when you can transplant it to its new home
Problems and Pests
Schefflera plants are susceptible to the following issues:
- Aphids
- Mealybugs
- Spider Mites
- Fungal Diseases
Gallery
Videos
How to care for a Schefflera plant.
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Propagating Schefflera plants.
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Resources
Wikipedia: Schefflera
The New Sunset Western Garden Book: The Ultimate Gardening Guide (2012) - Pages 593 - 594, Schefflera
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