Gardening - Schefflera Care

Schefflera, also known as umbrella tree, is a large evergreen shrub with smooth dark-green leaves. It grows well in warm weather conditions, and it normally reaches a height of 10 to 15 feet, and smaller dwarf varieties are also available. It is a tropical plant usually kept as an indoor plant. They are comparatively easy to care, therefore makes for a great in-house plant.

Points to consider

• This plant can tolerate shade, on the other hand in coastal areas it grows best with either full sun or speckled shade.
• Planting it in a location where the soil becomes wet or waterlogged after a rain will spoil the plant.
• It is also heat-tolerant, but it should not be exposed to temperatures below freezing level.

Tips for nurturing the plant

• Watering the plant is essential but avoid over-watering it.
• It does not grow well in soaking wet soil, therefore it's better to be on the side of watering it too little than too much.
• In an outdoor set up, schefflera usually doesn't need to be fertilized, though adding mulch around the shrub will add nutrients to the soil and also control moisture level.
• This plant is very prone to getting mites. Clean the leaves regularly to prevent this.
• Cleaning the leaves will also prevent dust building up and will allow the sun to reach the leaves sufficiently. To clean it, use a damp, warm cloth.
• Pruning by cutting just above the leaf to control the plant's size can be done easily.

There are two main kinds of this tree, the Arboricola and the Actinophylla. The Arboricola is the most common type that is planted today by many people and is found in several diverse forms. New varieties of this plant are constantly being introduced hence you are bound to come across other types as well.

Pests and Glitches

If nurtured in proper conditions, this plant will hardly develop pests or glitches. Spider mites can at times become an issue for indoor schefflera plants, but pesticides are available for these kind of issues. Schefflera plants grown outside tend to be honestly pest-free, even though over-watering can cause root rot and make the plant more vulnerable to infestations.

Noteworthy Concern

Consumption of Schefflera is poisonous and its leaves and plant fluid can lead to minor skin irritation on contact. Toxicity is normally low and skin irritation hardly lasts longer than a few minutes, but Schefflera may be a plant to avoid if you have kids around.

About the Author

Greenworld Nursery is a well-known Manufacturer, Exporter and Supplier of Flowering Plants, Fruit Plants, Adenium Hybrid Plant, Indoor Plants etc.

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