How to care for the umbrella tree (Schefflera)? Five key care points you should not overlook

The umbrella tree (Schefflera) is a kind of indoor potted plant and also one of the most popular potted plants. Placed at home, the umbrella tree can help purify indoor air, but many people do not have a particularly good understanding of umbrella tree care, so what are the care methods for the umbrella tree? Let me introduce them below.

What are the care methods for the umbrella tree (Schefflera)?

Temperature: The most suitable temperature for growth is 20-30°C, and high summer temperatures are beneficial to plant growth. It is not cold-tolerant, and when the temperature is low it easily drops leaves, or may even be left with only bare stems. In winter it is best to maintain 18-20°C, and the overwintering temperature should not be lower than 5°C.

Light: Avoid exposure to scorching sun. When sunlight is strong from May to September, shade appropriately by blocking 30%-40% of the light, otherwise the leaves will lose their proper luster and may even be scorched and turn withered yellow. In particular, do not suddenly move a plant placed in a shady spot to a place with strong light, so as to avoid scorching the leaves and causing burnt leaf edges. At other times, provide ample sunlight.

Watering: During the growing period, water generously to keep the potting soil moist, especially during vigorous growth in summer when water must be replenished promptly to promote plant growth. But also avoid excessive moisture, otherwise the leaves will droop and lose their luster, the leaves will fall off, and the plant may even rot at the roots and die entirely. Watering during the growing season should follow the principle of "do not water until dry, and when watering, water thoroughly." In winter, watering should be controlled to keep the potting soil on the dry side.

Fertilizing: During the growing period, apply a nitrogen-based fertilizer 1-2 times per month to promote the growth of branches and leaves and make the leaves large and glossy. After autumn begins, stop applying nitrogen fertilizer and apply only phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to improve the plant's cold resistance. Stop fertilizing in winter.

Pruning: When the seedling height is 15-20 cm, pinch off the growing tip to encourage branching. Because it rarely branches naturally, as the lower old leaves gradually fall off, after growing to a certain height the lower part of the plant will become bare, so every spring, along with repotting, top the plant to encourage branching, control height, and form a good plant shape.

Potting and repotting: When propagated seedlings have grown to an appropriate size, they can be potted in spring. For planting, choose pots with a diameter of 25-30 cm, with 3-4 plants per pot. After that, repot once every 2-3 years. It prefers loose, fertile, well-drained slightly acidic soil, and dislikes alkaline soil and heavy clay soil. The growing medium can be prepared from materials such as leaf mold, peat soil, garden soil, wood shavings or plain sand.

The umbrella tree can not only be used to decorate the home, but also has a purifying effect on indoor air. I remind everyone that when growing the umbrella tree, you must remember that the umbrella tree likes a warm growing environment, and cold places are not suitable for its growth.