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There are two species of schefflera plants: Schefflera actinophylla can grow to heights of 8 to 10 feet inside and up to 40 feet outside in very warm climates. Schefflera arboricola, known as the “dwarf umbrella tree,” has smaller leaflets and a shorter mature height of just 3 to 4 feet indoors.
How long do schefflera plants live?
Schefflera plants can live for decades in optimal conditions. Grown indoors, these plants can live up to 25 years even.
How fast does schefflera grow?
Schefflera plants are fast-growing plants, especially if planted outdoors, where they can add 3 feet per year. Indoor plants are slower-growing, especially if you keep them somewhat confined in a smallish pot.
How big does a schefflera plant grow?
Height/Spread. Scheffleras are usually 2 to 3 feet tall when sold, and grow to 8 feet or more in height. It is possible to prune them to maintain a lower height.
How much sun does a schefflera plant need?
Schefflera plants prefer medium-light, meaning they should be kept in bright light, but the light should not be direct. The Schefflera plant should be fertilized in the spring and fall, 1-2 times per week. After repotting, wait approximately eight weeks to begin fertilization.
How do you make schefflera bushy?
Use a sharp pair of pruners or a knife and make cuts just above leaves. Make cuts to break up denser clumps and to make the plant appear more even. Strategically pruning a Schefflera plant can encourage it to grow out as well as up and make for a denser, more bushy shape.
When should I repot my schefflera?
Schefflera repotting may see it moved to a larger container to grow it bigger or into the same pot with fresh soil and a gentle root trim. Either should be done in spring, according to houseplant experts.
Can schefflera be grown outside?
Gardeners in zones 10 to 12 can grow schefflera plants outdoors in full to partial sun in moist, well-drained soil. When grown outdoors, mature Schefflera actinophylla plants will bloom during the summer.
How often should you water a schefflera?
Let the soil almost completely dry out between waterings. Typically, you don’t want to water your Schefflera more than once every 10 days. Do not water if the top half of the potting medium is still moist. The Schefflera can grow upwards of 8 feet tall indoors.
Are schefflera slow growing?
Most healthy schefflera plants grow very rapidly, putting on 3 feet of growth each year. However, they must be provided with the correct growing conditions and climate to maximize their growth rate and ensure the long-term health of the plant.
Is schefflera poisonous to dogs?
19. Schefflera, commonly known as “Umbrella Plant”: Schefflera can cause vomiting, kidney problems, tremors, and heart and respiratory problems. Scheffleras can also cause oral irritation, such as difficulty swallowing, drooling, and burning of the mouth, lips, and tongue.
Does schefflera clean the air?
Schefflera has glossy and sturdy oval leaves that almost look unreal because of their waxy shine. Their plus point is that they soak up nasty toxins like benzene, formaldehyde and toluene. So like palms, they are a great natural air purifier.
Are schefflera plants easy to care for?
The most well known are the umbrella tree and the dwarf umbrella tree. One of the reasons the plant is popular is because schefflera plant care is so easy, but, while schefflera care is easy, the plant does need to be cared for. Keep reading to learn more about growing schefflera and keeping it healthy and lush.
Why is my Schefflera dropping green leaves?
An Umbrella Plant dropping leaves is normally a sign of stress due to improper care. Over or underwatering, low light, temperature extremes, repotting, pests, diseases, under/overfeeding, low humidity, or a new location can cause dropping leaves. Old leaves will also drop naturally.
How cold can Schefflera survive?
Schefflera will tolerate 35 to 105°F without chilling or heat damage, but best growth and quality occur between 65 and 90°F. Schefflera `Gold Capello’ was reported to bring greatest returns when grown at a minimum temperature of 60°F as opposed to 64 or 68 in Belgium during the winter.
Does a Schefflera bloom?
Schefflera is popular as a houseplant and is usually grown for its attractive foliage. Flowering schefflera plants may be unusual, but these plants do bloom once in a while, even when they’re grown indoors year round.
Do Schefflera plants like to be root bound?
Especially impressive are specimens that reach 5 feet or more. This sun-loving houseplant needs to be transplanted to a new pot when it becomes pot bound.
What do you do with a leggy Schefflera plant?
Pruning leggy schefflera plants is an effective way to fix a leggy plant and these plants respond well to pruning. Simply trim any areas that appear leggy and new branches will grow from these areas. If you want to speed up how quickly your plant will recover, place the plant outdoors during the summer months.
Should I stake my Schefflera?
A mature tree, like the one pictured in the lead image, may need to be supported with a stake. Schefflera that get too big or leggy can be pruned back. Pinch growing tips to encourage a fuller, bushier plant.
Can you split schefflera?
Its single-stem growing habit does not allow you to split the dwarf schefflera at the root; instead, propagation is done through cuttings, seeds and air-layering. Air-layering divides the plant into two separate plants without damaging the existing plant.
Will schefflera cuttings root in water?
Propagating Schefflera in water is simple and can be done over and over again using cuttings. Keeping your cuttings in water, in a shady area, and applying growth hormone promotes quick root growth. You can expect to have roots after six weeks and a full, healthy, new plant in 3-4 months.
