Description for Schefflera
Schefflera species are wonderfully tropical plants. The larger schefflera features long, shiny, oval green leaves that droop gracefully from a central stalk. A mature schefflera might have 12 or 16 leaflets from a single stalk, while an immature schefflera is more likely to have 4 or 6.
Also called the umbrella plant, the schefflera is a popular houseplant because of the beauty of its dark green leaves, which form “fingers” in a circle. The designs formed on floors and walls in the sunlight lends a pleasing look to a room. Caring for a schefflera is quite simple, and the plant will grow for many years.
| Common name | Flower colours | Bloom time | Height | Difficulty |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| umbrella plant | – | – | 12 to 15 ft. | easy |
Planting and care
In the right conditions, schefflera can be propagated with leaf cuttings. Use a rooting hormone and provide lots of humidity and warmth. Expect a high failure rate, however, as these are tropical plants. They can also be propagated by air-layering.
| Sunlight | Soil | Water | Temperature | Fertilizer |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bright, indirect light. In the summer, move it outside if possible under a shady overhang. | Rich, loose potting media. | Water weekly during the growing season and spray frequently. Cut back water during winter. | They suffer below about 60ºF. Do not expose to drafts or dry heating vents. | Feed twice weekly during growing season with liquid fertilizer or use two applications of slow-release pellets. They are heavy feeders. |
Caring for Schefflera
- An underwatered, cold schefflera will begin to drop leaves quickly, so take leaf-drop seriously and move to correct the problem.If you lose all the leaves, but you want to save the plant, move it outside in the spring, give it lots of water, and it should leaf back out.
Typical uses of Schefflera
Special features:
Ornamental use: Schefflera is commonly grown in mild to warm climates as a decorative tree in larger gardens.
References
- http://houseplants.about.com/ http://homeguides.sfgate.com/
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