Pruning and caring for Schefflera flowers at home (+24 photos)

The exotic Schefflera flower has recently become very popular among gardeners. This unusual tropical plant has adapted to indoor growing conditions without requiring extensive care. Although the plant isn't particularly fussy, it's important to know the basic care guidelines to ensure this tropical exotic survives in an apartment.

Characteristics of Schefflera and species diversity

It belongs to the Araliaceae family, of which there are approximately 200 species native to tropical regions. It resembles a small tree or bush with unusually shaped leaves that are divided into many parts, resembling an open umbrella.

There are just over ten species suitable for indoor cultivation, but getting them to flower is virtually impossible. The most common indoor Schefflera species are:

• Octopholea. Found in China, Japan, Vietnam, Tibet, India, and Taiwan. In its natural habitat, it can grow up to 15 meters. The petioles of S. octopholea are drooping, reaching 30 cm in length and cream-colored. The rosettes consist of eight green oval leaf blades (in some cases, up to 11).

  

  The glossy surface of the leathery leaf is contrasted with a matte underside. In late autumn, the inflorescences bloom with white flowers, and by early winter, fruits appear in their place. The wood is used to make matches, and, together with the leaves, in traditional medicine.

• Arborescens. Native to Taiwan and Hainan, this evergreen shrub has proven itself excellent in apartment settings. It can grow up to 4 meters. The palmately compound leaves have 7 to 9 twenty-centimeter blades. The flowers are shaped like branched panicles. Arborescens is the basis for cultivars such as Amate (even less demanding in care and susceptible to pests) and Gold Capella (palm-like in appearance, with green, spotted-yellow leaves).

  

  

  

  This plant species is used in bonsai culture due to its low maintenance and aerial roots, which, once they reach the ground, take over the functions of regular roots, but at the same time have a striking, unusual appearance. However, stimulating the growth of aerial roots requires very favorable conditions, which can be recreated.

• Palmate. The New Zealand schefflera grows up to 8 meters in the wild. Its palm-like leaves open like an umbrella and contain up to 10 thin, pointed blades. This species is slowly becoming extinct, as New Zealanders harvest it en masse for souvenirs.

  

  

  

  The palmate plant produces small flowers in large umbels, the juice of which is used by local healers to treat skin conditions. The plant's purple fruits are edible and are susceptible to attack by birds.

• Schefflera radiata. A woody evergreen plant reaching 12 meters in height. The leaf can consist of 16 individual radiate blades. Young leaves may be sparsely toothed. It blooms with red flowers and produces black fruits with a purple tint, which are eaten by birds and mammals. A surprising fact: this particular Schefflera species was awarded the Award of Ornamental Merit in the UK.

  

  

  

Peculiarities of flower care at home

Depending on the species, you can choose a plant that requires more or less sun. However, general care recommendations will help you maintain the tree in comfortable conditions and enjoy its beauty year-round.

Temperature and light

Proper light is important not only for plant development but also for the vibrancy of the plant's color. It's best to avoid north- and south-facing windows, as the former will provide insufficient light (or choose varieties with green leaves), while the latter risks scorching the plant.

In summer, you can shade the pot or place it on an elevated surface near a window to prevent direct sunlight from burning the leaves. In winter, it's recommended to keep the plants away from heating appliances, as this can cause leaf drop, and to provide additional lighting to the pot due to the short daylight hours.

Humidity, watering and fertilization

Humidity requires special attention. Regular misting is recommended, especially during hot periods. A shower or a tray with wet expanded clay can also be used. Alternatively, consider purchasing a humidifier.

Water moderately, and don't allow the soil to dry out; it should be kept moist. Excess moisture is harmful, as it will cause root rot. Use soft, settled, room-temperature water for both watering and spraying. Harsh, cold water can cause the plant to shed its leaves.

The type of fertilizer is selected based on the growth stage. It's best not to fertilize a young or recently transplanted plant. During the growth stage, you can use a complex fertilizer, and during the period of active foliage, switch to nitrogen-containing fertilizers.

Pruning Schefflera and shaping the crown

Schefflera does not respond well to pruning; to maintain its decorative appearance, several seedlings of similar size and development should be planted in one container.

To visually create a single tree, several plants are intertwined as they grow. This can be a double spiral of two shoots or a braid of three. The weaving is done on a support, as the young tree still has flexible branches.

Once the desired height is reached, the tops of the trunks are pinched, allowing new shoots to form. To create a lush, spherical crown, lateral growth is stimulated by pruning the apical shoot down by 5 internodes.

Potential problems with growing and their solutions

The following are the main problems that gardeners may encounter:

Propagation and transplantation of schefflera at home

For inexperienced gardeners, it's best to start experimenting with propagating green-leaved varieties, as they root more easily. Schefflera is propagated by layering, cuttings, and seeds.

Layering

This type of propagation is only suitable for fairly large flowers.

Algorithm for propagation by layering:

1. In early spring, select a large, healthy plant and make a cut on the trunk with a clean, sharp knife.
2. Apply wet moss to the cut area and secure with film.

   

3. Keep an eye on the moisture content of the moss, it should not dry out.
4. When roots appear (not earlier than in a month), cut the stem just below them.
5. Prepare a rooting mixture of sand and peat 1:1.
6. Plant the cuttings in the mixture and wait for them to root. When green leaves appear, you can transplant them into their permanent pot.

Cuttings

The easiest way to grow a new plant is by cuttings. Semi-woody branches left over from shaping or pruning are ideal for this.

Cuttings are carried out in the spring according to the following scheme:

1. Semi-lignified cuttings are cut from the mother tree.

   

2. The cuttings are treated with root growth stimulants.
3. The soil is prepared. A store-bought universal soil with an equal amount of coarse sand added has proven effective.
4. The cutting is planted in a pot and a greenhouse is created, which should be removed for half an hour every day for ventilation.
5. If possible, provide heating from below; the temperature should be 22-25 degrees.
6. Provide the pot with a warm, bright place, protected from drafts throughout the rooting period.

Seeds

Seeds for planting should be purchased in advance from specialty stores, as they are impossible to grow at home. Sowing can be done from early winter to early spring.
It is important to follow these rules:

1. Choose loose, well-drained soil. A universal soil with added sand is an excellent option.
2. Prepare a container. It must have a hole to allow excess water to drain.

   

3. A drainage layer is placed in the pot and covered with soil on top.
4. The seeds are carefully placed into the ground to a depth of 0.5 cm.
5. The crops are insulated with film, which is removed daily for ventilation.
6. After the first seedlings appear, the pot is moved to a bright place and the temperature is reduced to 17 °C.

History of flower cultivation and signs

There's no consensus on who the umbrella tree was named after. One theory is that it honors the German botanist J.C. Schaeffer, who made a significant contribution not only to plant research, publishing a book on medicinal plants in 1759, but also left his mark on religion, optics, and other sciences. Another theory is that it honors the Polish scientist P.E.J. Scheffler. Both lived in the 18th century.

This tree-like plant has gained popularity among esotericists for its ability to absorb negative energy. It's good to place it in the bedroom to improve energy levels or in crowded areas, such as offices or meeting rooms.

The flower is also believed to have the gift of prophecy. It's worth observing the behavior of an indoor psychic to understand in what area to expect changes:

• falling leaves warn of illness of someone living in the room;
• darkening of the trunk warns that the atmosphere in the house is too negative and the plant can no longer cope with cleansing;
• lack of growth foreshadows a period of stagnation in some area of ​​life;
• But a growth spurt and lush flowering bring good news about an addition to the family.

Frequently asked questions about growing

This tropical tree is remarkable for its appearance and beneficial properties, including its ability to ionize the air and absorb negative energy. With proper care, it adapts perfectly to indoor use. It's important to remember that the leaves and stems contain a small amount of poison, so keep children and animals away from them.