Detailed Guide to Hydroponic Schefflera Arboricola Propagation: Simple and Easy-to-Learn Methods

  Schefflera arboricola can be grown not only in soil pots but also hydroponically, and as long as cultivation techniques are applied scientifically, it can also grow well and remain highly ornamental. Hydroponic cultivation of Schefflera arboricola can generally be done in two ways: water cuttings and converting soil-grown plants to water culture, but the most commonly used method is water cuttings from branches and water culture. Below, the editor will introduce the technique of using water cuttings to achieve hydroponic cultivation of Schefflera arboricola.

  First, cut semi-lignified leafy branches from a mature Schefflera arboricola plant as cuttings, then cut them into segments about 10 cm long with at least 2 nodes for water cuttings. At the same time, keep 1-2 compound leaves on the upper part of the cutting, and remove all leaves from the lower part to reduce water evaporation and nutrient consumption.

  Next, insert 2/3 of the cutting into a transparent glass container filled with clean water or purified water. After all the cuttings are inserted, simply choose a well-lit spot indoors and place it there. After that, what needs to be done is to control the temperature and change the water frequently.

  By keeping the temperature above 15°C and changing the water frequently, usually within about 10 days you can see through the glass container that the base of the submerged part of the cutting gradually forms white wound-healing tissue. After a few more days of cultivation, you will find that this part begins to sprout adventitious buds. After about 50 days, the base of the branch used for water cuttings will basically grow new roots about 6 cm long, and the fibrous roots are tender and white like hairs. At this point, we can return to the normal care and management routine.

  However, water cuttings are often affected by climate and environment, so it is usually necessary to avoid doing water cuttings in the hot midsummer, and also to avoid doing water cuttings in the cold winter when temperatures are too low. Generally, the temperatures in spring and autumn are more suitable, making them better for propagating young Schefflera arboricola plants by water cuttings. Moreover, the temperatures in these two seasons basically remain between 15°C-25°C, which is very suitable for rooting and sprouting of cuttings.

  After successful water cuttings, we should promptly carry out the corresponding care and management work. This mainly involves changing the water frequently, regulating the temperature well, and providing appropriate light; usually receiving scattered light is enough to meet growth needs. In addition, we also need to do timely pruning; because Schefflera arboricola grows relatively quickly, pruning and shaping work needs to be done during care and management. But if water-cultured seedlings are to be grown in soil, then a suitable time needs to be chosen to transplant them into potting soil in a timely manner. And care and management likewise mainly involve light, temperature, water and fertilizer.