Gardening – Schefflera Care

Schefflera is a tropical plant that is commonly kept as a houseplant. They are sold in many different varieties today and can even be kept as a bonsai tree. The Schefflera is relatively easy to care for and makes a great houseplant.

The Schefflera is native to Malaysia and is often referred to as the umbrella tree. There are two main varieties of this tree, the Arboricola and the Actinophylla. The Arboricola is the most common type preserved today and is found in several different forms. The regular Arboricola just has the normal green leaves. The Arboricola Renate has green leaves, but they are wavy. The Arboricola Gold Capella has both green and yellow or gold leaves. The Arboricola Trinette has green leaves and cream-colored leaves. New varieties of this plant are constantly being introduced, so you will surely see other types as well.

Schefflera needs a lot of light to grow, but should not be kept in direct sunlight. During the summer, it is especially important that direct sunlight does not reach the plant, not even through windows. Windows can make the sun even more dangerous. If kept in direct sun, the leaves of this plant will burn.

It is important that you do not overwater this plant or it will develop root rot. Only water it when the soil is dry. You can water this plant from above or below. If you water from below, put the pot in water for about ten minutes and the plant will take the water it needs. If you water from the top, water until the water drains out the bottom. If the leaves turn black, this means that the soil remains too wet. If the leaves are wrinkled, the plant is too dry.

Because this is a tropical plant, it needs to have moisture in the air. You can spray the leaves regularly to provide water, but this is often not enough. This plant is used to a very humid environment and you will need to supply it with this water. The best way to create humidity for your plant is to get a tray and put some pebbles and water in it. Then place your plant on the pebbles. Make sure that the water level is below the level of the pebbles and that your plant is not sitting in the water. The water will evaporate and the leaves will get the moisture they need.

Make sure you use a good quality soil that contains plenty of nutrients. You should also use fertilizer according to package directions. If you want to make sure your leaves don’t turn yellow, you can add a little liquid iron two or three times a year.

The Schefflera is very prone to contracting moths. You need to clean the leaves regularly to avoid this. They especially like to live on the underside of leaves, so be sure to check there. Cleaning the leaves will also prevent dust build-up and allow the sun to properly reach the leaves. To clean it, use a warm, damp cloth.

This plant is not that difficult to maintain. The main things to remember are: don’t keep the plant wet, place the plant in a bright area, and watch out for mites. Also, don’t be afraid to prune the Schefflera. It will do well after pruning.