How to Propagate Umbrella Tree (Schefflera) by Hydroponics: Detailed Methods and Steps

The scientific name of the umbrella tree is Schefflera octophylla (Heptapleurum arboricola), an evergreen shrub that can be grown in soil or water. Below, let us learn about the hydroponic propagation method of the umbrella tree!

I. Basic Introduction to the Umbrella Tree

As a shrub commonly used for landscaping, the umbrella tree is a common plant of evergreen broad-leaved forests in tropical and subtropical regions.

The umbrella tree is native to Oceania, Guangdong and Fujian in China, and the subtropical rainforests of South America and other places, and is also distributed in Japan, Vietnam and India.

The leaves of the umbrella tree are palmately compound, with 5-8 leaflets, long-ovate, and look very much like a duck's foot.

The flowers of the umbrella tree are light red, and the ripe fruit is dark red.

II. Hydroponic Propagation Methods of the Umbrella Tree

There are mainly two methods for hydroponic propagation of the umbrella tree: the root-washing method with soil-grown plants and the water-cutting method. The root-washing method with soil-grown plants refers to washing the soil-grown umbrella tree clean and keeping it in a glass bottle filled with clean water for 2-3 days; the water-cutting method refers to cutting about 10cm of semi-lignified stems from an old umbrella tree plant, removing the lower leaves, and soaking 2/3 of the part in a container for cultivation.

III. Notes on Growing the Umbrella Tree

1. If growing the umbrella tree hydroponically, it needs to be cultivated in a transparent container and given appropriate light.

2. In summer, when the temperature is high, a certain amount of watering must be ensured; it can be watered once a day to keep the soil moist, and it should be watered promptly before it dries out completely.

3. Schefflera octophylla (Heptapleurum arboricola) easily sprouts leggy branches, so attention should be paid to shaping and pruning at ordinary times to promote the growth of side branches and maintain a good tree shape.