How to grow Schefflera actinophylla? Light and temperature are very important
Schefflera actinophylla (umbrella tree) is native to Australia and is not only especially popular abroad, but is also one of the most commonly grown indoor plants in China, yet growing Schefflera actinophylla is a very troublesome matter. So how do you grow Schefflera actinophylla? Let's take a look below at the growing methods introduced by the editor!
Care methods for Schefflera actinophylla:
1. 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; when temperatures are low it easily drops its leaves, and may even be left with bare stems only. In winter it is best to maintain 18-20°C, and the overwintering temperature should not be lower than 5°C.
2. Light: avoid scorching sun exposure. When sunlight is intense from May to September, shade appropriately, blocking 30%-40% of the light, otherwise the leaves will lose their proper gloss and even be scorched and turn yellow and withered. In particular, do not suddenly move a plant kept in a shady spot to a place with intense light, lest the leaves be scorched and their edges burn. At other times, give it plenty of sunlight.
3. Watering: during the growing period, water generously to keep the potting soil moist, especially in summer when growth is vigorous, when water must be replenished promptly to promote plant growth. But avoid excessive moisture, otherwise the leaves will droop and lose their gloss, the leaves will drop, and the plant may even rot at the roots and die entirely. Watering during the growing season should follow the rule of "don't water until dry, and when you water, water thoroughly." In winter, control watering and keep the potting soil on the drier side.
4. Fertilizing: during the growing period, apply a nitrogen-based fertilizer 1-2 times a 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.
5. Pruning: when the seedling is 15-20 cm tall, pinch out the growing tip to encourage branching. Because it rarely branches naturally, and as the lower old leaves gradually fall off, once it grows to a certain height the lower part of the plant becomes bare, so every spring you should top it in conjunction with repotting, to encourage branching, control height, and form a good plant shape.
The editor reminds you that Schefflera actinophylla is a plant whose vitality is not especially strong; it dislikes cold growing environments and will wither as soon as it encounters cold, so everyone must take good care of it and give it a good growing environment.