A Detailed Guide to Growing Variegated Umbrella Tree (Schefflera) in Water
1. Container selection
The most basic requirement for container selection is that it can hold the bulb in place. The common container that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom is more suitable for growing variegated umbrella tree. A transparent glass container is best. An ordinary goblet can also be used to grow variegated umbrella tree, which can further add to the beauty of the home. However, when growing variegated umbrella tree, the bulb must not be soaked in water. It is best to keep the bottom of the bulb 1 to 2 cm above the water surface.
2. Temperature
The temperature for root growth of variegated umbrella tree is around 9°C. During the root growth period, shade the outside of the glass bottle, then place it in a cool, ventilated environment to let it slowly take root. When the roots begin to grow longer and the flower buds grow to 5 cm, the vase can be placed in a warm environment to wait for sprouting.
3. Light
When the leaves and flower buds of variegated umbrella tree are growing, they should be exposed to sunlight for about 1 to 2 hours every day. In this way, the leaves and flowers will be more robust and will grow more upright, without the problem of leaning to one side.
The above is about the water-growing method for variegated umbrella tree. Below, let us look at the four-season management of variegated umbrella tree!
Tutorial on the Water-Growing Method for Variegated Umbrella Tree
Variegated umbrella tree is a bulbous plant and a perennial plant. Before blooming, its appearance is like an onion; after blooming, it has a subtle fragrance, making it a very good ornamental flower. Variegated umbrella tree can be grown in soil, but the more popular and mainstream method now is water culture. The water culture method is simple and the preparation is relatively easy. Below, let us look at the water-growing method for variegated umbrella tree.
The Water-Growing Method for Variegated Umbrella TreeI. The water-growing method for variegated umbrella tree——container selection
The most basic requirement for container selection is that it can hold the bulb in place. The common container that is narrow at the top and wide at the bottom is more suitable for growing variegated umbrella tree. A transparent glass container is best. An ordinary goblet can also be used to grow variegated umbrella tree, further adding to the beauty of the home. However, when growing variegated umbrella tree, the bulb must not be soaked in water. It is best to keep the bottom of the bulb 1 to 2 cm above the water surface.
II. The water-growing method for variegated umbrella tree——temperature
The temperature for root growth of variegated umbrella tree is around 9°C. During the root growth period, shade the outside of the glass bottle, then place it in a cool, ventilated environment to let it slowly take root. When the roots begin to grow longer and the flower buds grow to 5 cm, the vase can be placed in a warm environment to wait for sprouting.
III. The water-growing method for variegated umbrella tree——light
When the leaves and flower buds of variegated umbrella tree are growing, they should be exposed to sunlight for about 1 to 2 hours every day. In this way, the leaves and flowers will be more robust and will grow more upright, without the problem of leaning to one side.
Four-Season Management of Variegated Umbrella Tree
1. Spring
Suitable for placement on east-, south-, west-, and north-facing balconies. Repot every spring from April to May. The potting soil should preferably be fertile, deep, and well-drained loam. Before repotting, it can be heavily pruned to lower its height. Variegated umbrella tree is naturally robust, grows vigorously, and is relatively easy to manage.
Spring is the season for its new leaves to grow. It should be placed in a spot with morning and evening light or bright light for cultivation. If light is insufficient, new leaves tend to turn yellow, and the markings on the leaves also tend to fade. When new leaves begin to grow, attention should be paid to the supply of water and fertilizer. Keep the potting soil moist and fertilize appropriately. However, when nitrogen fertilizer is supplied abundantly, it tends to grow excessively, which is not conducive to maintaining the tree shape, and the colored markings on the leaves also tend to fade. Attention should be paid to applying a mix of nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium fertilizers. In late spring, the strong midday light should be shaded, or the plant should be placed in a brightly lit spot.
2. Summer
Suitable for placement on east- and north-facing balconies. Variegated umbrella tree likes high temperatures and cannot tolerate strong sunlight. In summer, it should be placed in a brightly lit spot, keep the potting soil moist, and fertilize. Variegated umbrella tree does not have high requirements for air humidity. It likes humid air and also tolerates dry air, making it quite suitable for balcony placement. However, if air humidity is insufficient, the leaf surface of variegated umbrella tree tends to lose its luster, which is not conducive to ornamental value. Variegated umbrella tree grows relatively fast in summer, so attention should be paid to the supply of water and fertilizer.
3. Autumn
Suitable for placement on east-, south-, west-, and north-facing balconies. After the temperature turns cool in early autumn, the growth of variegated umbrella tree slows down. Light can be gradually increased, watering frequency reduced, and fertilizing stopped. After the temperature drops in late autumn, variegated umbrella tree can be moved outdoors to receive cold resistance training, so as to increase its cold resistance. Before frost, move it back inside the balcony and place it in a spot with sufficient light or bright light. The potting soil should preferably be moist.
4. Winter
Suitable for placement on east-, south-, west-, and north-facing balconies.
Variegated umbrella tree is not cold-resistant. It can overwinter safely when the winter temperature is around 5°C. Attention should be paid to maintaining the temperature. If the temperature is too low, the lower leaves tend to fall, forming bare stems. Under low temperatures, the growth of variegated umbrella tree is in a stagnant state. It should be placed in a spot with light, and the potting soil should be kept on the dry side. If the temperature is kept above 10°C, variegated umbrella tree can still grow slowly, and the potting soil should be kept moist, without fertilizing.
The above is about the water-growing method and four-season management of variegated umbrella tree. To learn more, please follow Four Seasons Plant Network!