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Schefflera plants are beautiful and easy to care for houseplants that can add a touch of nature to any room.
Schefflera Care Key Takeaways:
- Caring for Schefflera plants indoors requires bright, indirect light, but they can tolerate low light.
- Water the plant when the top inch of soil is dry and let it dry out between waterings.
- Monthly fertilization with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season (spring and summer) is beneficial.
- Ensure high humidity and avoid water with fluoride or chlorine as Schefflera can be sensitive to these elements.
With the right information, you can learn how to grow and maintain a Schefflera plant indoors with ease.
In this blog post, we will cover everything you need to know about Schefflera care indoors, from planting tips to propagating Schefflera and common problems and solutions.
So if you’re interested in adding one of these lovely plants to your home, keep reading!
What Are Schefflera plants?
Schefflera plants are native to the tropical regions of Asia and Australia. They are part of the Araliaceae family.
Schefflera arboricola is a flowering plant in the family Araliaceae, native to Taiwan and Hainan Province, China. Its common name is dwarf umbrella tree, as it resembles a smaller version of the umbrella tree, Schefflera actinophylla. Current taxonomy places both species in the genus Heptapleurum. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Schefflera_arboricola
Most Schefflera plants being sold are Schefflera arboricola because the umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla) is much larger often growing 50 feet tall.
However, when grown indoors they are typically much smaller.
Schefflera plants can grow to be quite large, but Schefflera arboricola or dwarf umbrella plant can be kept 4-8 feet tall and does well indoors.
Schefflera are characterized by their glossy green leaves, which are divided into seven to nine leaflets.
Schefflera plants can be found in a variety of colors, including green and variegated colors of green with a splash of yellow.
Schefflera Care Indoors
Schefflera care indoors is relatively easy as long as you provide the plant with the proper conditions.
Schefflera plants prefer bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light levels.
Schefflera should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Allow the water to drain completely and do not allow the plant to sit in water, as this can lead to root rot.
Schefflera should be fertilized monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer.
Schefflera plants can be sensitive to fluoride or chlorine, so it is important to use water that does not contain these elements.
If your leaf tips turn brown build-up of these elements in your soil may be the cause.
Schefflera should be allowed to dry out between waterings, and they prefer high humidity levels.
Schefflera plants can be propagated by rooting stem cuttings in water or potting mix.
Schefflera Pruning
Pruning Schefflera plants is a necessary part of their care. Regular pruning helps to encourage new growth, and it also keeps the plant looking its best.
When pruning, always use sharp, clean shears. Make sure to remove any dead or damaged leaves, as well as any suckers that may be growing from the base of the plant.
It’s important to prune Schefflera back to a healthy bud, as this will help promote new growth.
In general, it’s best to prune Schefflera in the early spring, before new growth begins.
However, if your plant is overgrown or damaged, you may need to prune it more frequently.
Repotting Schefflera
An important part of Schefflera care indoors is repotting your plant about every 3 years.
They need to be repotted every few years to ensure that their roots have plenty of room to grow.
When repotting a Schefflera, choose a pot that is only one size larger than the current pot.
Place some potting mix on the bottom of the pot and place the root ball into the new pot. Fill in around the sides with more potting soil.
Make sure that your plant is not sitting deeper than it was before.
Be sure to use a well-draining potting mix and water thoroughly after repotting.
It is best to repot in the spring when the plant is beginning to actively grow.
Schefflera Propagation
There are a few different ways to propagate Schefflera plants
Stem Cuttings
One method is to take stem cuttings from an existing plant. Cut a 2-3 inch piece of stem from the tips of new growth, and remove the bottom leaves.
Place the cutting in a glass of water, and wait for it to develop roots. Once the roots are several inches long, you can pot up the cutting in a well-draining potting mix.
You can also root your cuttings in soil but I like using water because you can see if new roots are developing.
Propagating Schefflera By Division
Some plants have multiple stems but if your Schefflera grows as a single stem plant propagating Schefflera by division is not possible.
But you can propagate Schefflera by division if you have a multi-stem plant.
Carefully dig up an existing plant, and gently pull it apart into 2-3 sections. You may need a sharp knife to do this.
Replant each section in its own pot, and water it well.
Propagating Schefflera From Seed
Another option is to grow Schefflera from seed. Fill a seed tray with moistened potting mix, and scatter the seeds on top.
Gently press the seeds into the soil, and mist lightly with water.
Cover the tray with plastic wrap or a glass lid, and place it in a warm, bright spot. Remove the cover once the seeds have germinated.
Schefflera Common Problems And Solutions
When it comes to Schefflera care indoors these plants are generally quite hardy plants and trouble-free plants.
But there are a few common problems that can occur. One of the most common problems is leaf drop, which occurs when the plant is not getting enough light.
If you notice your Schefflera’s leaves begin to yellow and drop, move the plant to a brighter location.
If your plant is getting leggy or droopy that is also a sign that your plant is telling you it needs more light.
Another common problem is root rot, which can occur if the plant is overwatered.
If you suspect your Schefflera has root rot, remove it from its pot and check the roots.
If they are mushy or black you might be able to save your plant by cutting off damaged roots.
Then the plant will need to be repotted in fresh soil.
Schefflera are also susceptible to pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, and scale.
If you notice any of these pests on your Schefflera, treat the plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil.
If you see brown leaf tips there can be several causes for this. Over-fertilization can cause this.
Another common cause is fluoride and chlorine or other contaminants found in tap water. It can build up in the soil over time.
You can water with rainwater, distilled water, or better yet and easier add a filter to your tap because you are drinking it too.
Is Schefflera Poisonous
Yes, Schefflera is poisonous to cats, dogs, and humans.
The dwarf schefflera produces poisonous oxalates in its leaves and stems. These sharp, tiny calcium oxalate crystals produce results on the skin and mouth, when ingested, similar to the irritation ground glass would produce. https://homeguides.sfgate.com/arboricola-poisonous-81607.html
Many popular houseplants are toxic if eaten. Care should be taken to keep young children and pets away from them.
Schefflera Care Indoors FAQs:
Here are some frequently asked questions about Schefflera care indoors to help you keep your plant healthy and thriving.
Q. How often should I water my Schefflera plant?
A. Water your Schefflera when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
It’s essential to let the soil dry out between waterings to prevent root rot.
Q. When is the best time to prune Schefflera?
A. The ideal time to prune Schefflera is in early spring before new growth begins.
Pruning helps to encourage new growth and maintains the plant’s appearance.
Q. How can I propagate my Schefflera plant?
A. Propagation can be done via stem cuttings, division, or from seed. Stem cuttings are the most common method.
Cut a 2-3 inch piece from new growth, remove bottom leaves, and root it in water or potting mix.
Q. Is Schefflera toxic to pets and humans?
A. Yes, Schefflera is toxic to both pets and humans. It contains poisonous oxalates in its leaves and stems, which can cause irritation on the skin and mouth if ingested.
This information aims to cover common inquiries regarding Schefflera care indoors, ensuring a pleasant experience as you nurture this beautiful, easy-to-care-for plant.
Schefflera Care Indoors Final Thoughts
Overall, Schefflera care indoors is relatively easy as long as you provide the plant with the proper conditions. To sum up:
• Schefflera prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light levels.
• Schefflera should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
• Schefflera should be allowed to dry out between waterings
• They prefer high humidity levels.
• Fertilize monthly during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer.
Schefflera plants can make beautiful additions to any home and are generally quite hardy.
So if you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant to add to your indoor jungle, a Schefflera might be a perfect choice!
