Can cuttings taken from a schefflera (umbrella tree) be planted?

1. Whether it is possible

The answer is: yes. Moreover, the survival rate when propagating this way is relatively high.

2. Timing

This method of propagation is generally done in winter. In other words, we can use the branches that would be thrown away when pruning, so nothing goes to waste. Alternatively, it can be done in spring, but it must be done before the buds sprout.

3. Specific method

1. Taking and preparing the cuttings: Choose 1-year-old branches 10 to 15 cm long as the material. Next, remove the leaves on the lower part, leaving only the 3 to 4 leaves at the top. Then, cut the lower part into a slant.

2. Choosing the medium: To increase the survival rate of the cuttings, we must choose a suitable medium for them. Generally speaking, for this plant we can choose perlite, or carefully sifted river sand.

3. Inserting into the medium: First, make some small holes in the medium with a small wooden stick, then insert the branch, pushing in about 2/3 of the whole branch. Then mist with water, and place it in a spot with weak light, avoiding very strong light shining on it. If it is a sunny day, mist once a day; if it is cloudy, adjust according to the specific conditions. In addition, the temperature should be kept at 15 to 25°C. After waiting about half a month to a month, we can observe the appearance of roots.

4. Transplanting: After roots appear, transplant it, water thoroughly, and place it in a semi-shaded spot. After a week, it can be exposed to light.