How to Grow Umbrella Tree (Schefflera) Hydroponically at Home, and Is It Suitable for Indoor Growing?

At the sound of the name "umbrella tree," one might think it is a plant whose leaves are shaped like duck feet, and that this is how it got its name. Actually, that is not the case. The umbrella tree (Schefflera arboricola) has glossy, emerald-green leaves arranged in a circular pattern, looking just like a cute little umbrella, and it is very well suited to being grown as a potted plant at home. Besides soil culture, it can also be grown hydroponically. Let's take a look at the hydroponic growing method below.

How to Grow Umbrella Tree Hydroponically at Home

1. Water cuttings propagation: From an old umbrella tree plant, cut a semi-lignified leafy branch about 10cm long with 2-3 or more nodes. Remove the lower leaves of the umbrella tree branch, keeping only 1-2 palmate compound leaves at the top. Immerse the lower 2/3 of the umbrella tree branch in a glass vessel filled with clean water, and place it in a bright spot indoors.

2. Root-washing method for soil-grown plants: Carefully take the soil-grown umbrella tree out of the soil, and wash the soil off the roots of the umbrella tree clean. Plant it in a transparent glass bottle containing clean water (tap water needs to be left to stand for 2-3 days). In the early stage of hydroponic umbrella tree growing, change the water once every 2 or 3 days, and keep the temperature above 15°C. Give the hydroponic umbrella tree appropriate light, and the umbrella tree will grow lush and green.

Is Umbrella Tree Suitable for Indoor Growing

The umbrella tree is non-toxic, and it can also purify harmful gases such as nicotine and formaldehyde, so placing the umbrella tree indoors will not harm the human body. Arranged as a potted plant in a living room, study or bedroom, it also lends a rich modern feel.

The Flowering Period of the Umbrella Tree

The umbrella tree is native to Guangzhou, Fujian and other places in China, where the climate is warm and humid. Most varieties bloom in November, and the flowering period lasts about two months. In the landscaping of Guangzhou, Fujian and other places, the variegated umbrella tree is often planted together with other flowers that bloom in spring and summer, which nicely fills the gap of few flowers in winter.

Common Pests and Diseases of the Umbrella Tree and Their Solutions

1. Leaf spot

It can be controlled with 0.5%-0.6% Bordeaux mixture (that is, made by mixing 0.5-0.6 parts quicklime, 0.5-0.6 parts copper sulfate, and adding 100 parts water), or 70% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder or 50% carbendazim wettable powder at 800-1000 times dilution, or 50% thiophanate wettable powder or 65% zineb wettable powder at 500-600 times dilution, and other liquid medicines. Spray the liquid medicine 1-2 times every 10-15 days.

2. Anthracnose

It can be controlled with 75% thiophanate-methyl wettable powder at 1000 times dilution, 75% chlorothalonil wettable powder at 600 times dilution, or 25% carbonim wettable powder at 500 times dilution, 25% benomyl emulsifiable concentrate at 900 times dilution, or 50% tuijunte at 800-1000 times dilution, or 50% tanfumei wettable powder at 500 times dilution, and other liquid medicines. Spray the liquid medicine once every 7-10 days, for 3-4 times in a row.

3. Scale insects

It can be sprayed with Jiebi Zhi diluted 750-1000 times, focusing on the parts where scale insects occur, to the extent of being wet but not dripping. When scale insects occur severely, spray once more every 7-10 days for a more noticeable effect. During a major outbreak of red spider mites, you can spray 20% dicofol emulsifiable concentrate at 500-600 times dilution, 20% fenpropathrin emulsifiable concentrate at 2000 times dilution, 5% hexythiazox emulsifiable concentrate at 1500 times dilution, 50% monocrotophos emulsifiable concentrate at 1500 times dilution, 40% isocarbophos emulsifiable concentrate at 1500 times dilution, 40% omethoate emulsifiable concentrate at 1500 times dilution, 10% bifenthrin emulsifiable concentrate at 3000 times dilution, etc., which can greatly reduce the pest population density. In order to prevent pests from developing pesticide resistance, medicines should be used alternately or mixed.

It seems that the umbrella tree is really great at home: it is both ornamental and purifies the air, truly achieving multiple benefits at once. But during the growing process, we must pay attention to the prevention and control of its pests and diseases. If pests and diseases appear, they can have no small impact on it. However, we need not worry too much; as long as we do the prevention work in advance, it is fine.