How to grow a Schefflera? These 6 key points you must know

The Schefflera is one of the most popular indoor potted plants. It can not only decorate your home, but also greatly help purify indoor air. So, what should you pay attention to when caring for a Schefflera? Below, the editor introduces the 6 key points.

What should you pay attention to when caring for a Schefflera?

Temperature: The most suitable temperature for growth is 20-30°C. High summer temperatures are beneficial to plant growth. It is not cold-tolerant; when temperatures are low, it easily drops leaves, and 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 blazing sun exposure. From May to September, when sunlight is intense, shade appropriately by blocking 30%-40% of the light; otherwise the leaves will lose their proper luster and even become scorched and turn yellow and withered. In particular, do not suddenly move a plant kept in a shaded place to a location with intense light, to avoid leaf scorch and burnt leaves. At other times, give it plenty of sunlight.

Watering: During the growing period, water generously and keep the potting soil moist. Especially during vigorous summer growth, replenish water promptly to promote plant growth. But also avoid over-wet conditions, 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 rule of "do not water until dry, and when watering, water thoroughly." In winter, control watering and keep the potting soil on the drier 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 larger and more 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 is 15-20 cm tall, pinch out the growing tip to encourage branching. Because it rarely branches naturally, as the lower old leaves gradually fall off, once it grows to a certain height the lower part of the plant will become bare. Therefore, every spring, combine repotting with topping 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, you can choose pots with a diameter of 25 or 30 cm, with 3 or 4 plants per pot. After that, repot once every 2 or 3 years. It likes 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 Schefflera is a plant that is rather afraid of cold, so when growing a Schefflera, you must adjust the indoor temperature well. As long as you are attentive, I believe you will surely be able to grow your Schefflera very luxuriantly.