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Schefflera plant in the apartment. Schefflera: caring for a flower at home, photos of species. Necessary fertilizers, plant diseases and pests

Schefflera is an evergreen plant of the Araliaceae family. Depending on the species, it can be a tree, liana, or shrub. For its unusually shaped leaves, where oval or slightly elongated leaf lobes extend from long petioles, similar to the spokes of an umbrella, Schefflera received the name umbrella tree.

Features of growing sheffler - a brief description.

The plant does not tolerate direct sunlight. In winter, the shefflera is placed in a bright place, but protected from direct rays (this is especially important in warm rooms). Only variegated forms suffer from lack of light.

Planting a Schefflera indoor plant

The main reason for the rapid spread indoor species Schefflers are decorative and unpretentious. Even novice plant growers can quickly grow this beautiful flower on their windowsill with a minimum of time and effort.

In addition, there is a second explanation for the popularity of shefflera. Nowadays, it’s rare that a home (not to mention offices) can do without a computer, TV and other equipment that makes the indoor air dead and harmful. Schefflera is deservedly credited with the properties of improving the environment. It is like a sponge that absorbs all the negativity, filling the space with phytoncides, moisturizing the air and ionizing it.

There was a positive effect on nervous system: Sheffler's presence calms, relieves irritation, enhances concentration and memory.

Planting methods

To start a shefflera, you can buy it in a store, or you can try to grow a whole plant from a shoot, cuttings or seeds.

Optimal time for planting

It is best to plant and replant Schefflera in early spring. then it will be easier for her to take root and have time to get stronger before the onset of the winter rest period.

Soil for the plant

Soil for shefflera can be purchased at finished form. The flower shop will recommend the necessary compositions for you. Most often these are mixtures for ficus or palm trees.

But you can prepare the soil yourself. To do this, you need to take one part of clean river sand, add three more parts of leaf soil and two parts of turf. You can replace two parts of leaf soil with one part of humus.

IMPORTANT! In terms of structure, the soil should be quite soft, loose and permeable, but not acidified.

Growing an umbrella tree is quite easy. If you follow some of the rules of the sheffler, the interior will look surprisingly attractive, and will remain beautiful and easy to care for for many years.

Location and lighting for the plant

Schefflera loves light, but is afraid of direct sunlight. Therefore, ideally, you should place the pots on the south side, slightly shading the plant. Western and eastern oriented windows are also favorable.

The exception is Schefflera species with variegated leaves. Only places with high lighting are suitable for growing them.

Humidity

The only difficulty in caring for an umbrella tree is maintaining high humidity in the summer.

In nature, the plant was formed in conditions tropical forests, where there is no dryness at all. Therefore, at home, it is advisable not only to water the Schefflera plant with warm and always settled water, but also to spray its leaves up to twice a day.

Temperature regime for the plant

From spring to late autumn, Schefflera is in a period of activity. It is recommended to maintain the temperature for its cultivation at 18-22 degrees. Small differences in day and night temperatures benefit the shefflera, but it must be protected from drafts and sudden changes in conditions.

How to water correctly

The subtlety of watering the umbrella beauty is to catch the correct watering time. This time can be determined by the following signs: the top layer of soil has already dried, but the lump of earth is still moist, which will be shown by the weight of the pot.

In the conditions of an ordinary city apartment with its dryness, you can put the shefflera in a tray filled with expanded clay and add soft and warm water directly to this tray.

In summer, water 2-3 times a week. Much less often in winter.

A healthy adult plant requires feeding. Due to the similarity of the conditions of schefflera with the conditions for palm trees and ficuses, fertilizer can also be borrowed from these types of plants or pamper the flower with universal fertilizer with mineral additives.

The plant must be fertilized during its active growth phase (excluding winter). If the plant has not completely taken root after transplantation or propagation, it is necessary to wait for the first young leaves, and then add nutrients.

The frequency of feeding is once a month. You can help the plant with foliar feeding, spraying it with bioregulators, for example, Zircon or Epin. This is also done approximately once every 4 weeks.

Pruning shefflera (For what purpose, complexity of the process, availability)

While the plant is young, it pleases with lush greenery, but the trunk begins to stretch out and the leaves appear only on top of the bush. In order to prevent a decrease in decorativeness, pruning is used. With its help you can form a beautiful and compact home flower.

Trimming methods

Depending on the shape you want to give the schefflera, you can use top trimming or trimming the lower leaves.

The plant can withstand both types of pruning quite calmly.

Shefflera transplant

A young plant requires mandatory replanting in the first year of life, since its growth is very active and it may not have enough space to live in a cramped pot. When the shefflera reaches 3-5 years, the growth rate slows down and it can be replanted less frequently: once every 2-3 years.

Transplant methods

The transplant process can be of two types:

• replanting with clearing of the previous soil
• transfer, in which the flower is carefully removed from its previous pot and placed with a lump of earth in a larger container.

The substrate in which you plant Schefflera must be loose and fertile. The mixture of sand and earth must be thoroughly mixed and subjected to disinfection treatment. After replanting, the soil must be compacted and watered so that there are no voids left and the soil adheres tightly to the roots.

If you are planning to make two, three, or even a whole greenhouse from one plant, then get ready for much more difficulties than usual daily care for the shefflera.

Whichever of the three propagation methods (seeds, cuttings or layering) you choose, you will have to pay special attention to the humidity and temperature of the new plant, since it is quite difficult for it to take root.

Reproduction methods

You can grow a copy of your pet in the following ways:

• cuttings;
• layering;
• seeds.

The easiest way to give life to a new plant is cuttings. The trunk chosen is not young, but already lignified. Trim with a sharp short knife so that the cuttings have at least 5 leaves. Before planting in the ground, keep for several hours in a biological solution (Heteroauxin).

Dusting with Kornevin or coal dust will also help the process to heal.

Pay special attention to germination conditions: soil, temperature, humidity.

Cuttings with a slight depth are planted in small and well-drained pots with a mixture of sand and earth, heated to 22 degrees, and covered with a glass or plastic jar.

From time to time, the sprouts are ventilated; stagnation of air during propagation by cuttings can also be disastrous. It is recommended to spray them.

A more complex and expensive method is propagation by layering. To do this, roots are sprouted on the stem without cutting the cutting, but only by cutting it. Then wrap the incision site in moss or bandage, moisten it and cover it with film.

Please note: If you do not allow the cut site to dry out, in one and a half to two months you will receive a ready-made shoot with roots for pruning and planting in a separate container!

Propagation by seeds- the rarest method for shefflera. They do this in January-February. The requirements for propagation using seeds are the same: compliance with temperature and humidity conditions, ventilation, and a similar composition of the substrate.

Seeds pre-treated with stimulants are planted to a depth of 1-1.5 cm. Then they are placed in greenhouse conditions. When the roots form a visible lump at the base, you can replant them in separate places.

Is Schefflera blooming?

Schefflera flowering can be observed much more often in outdoor forms than in domestic ones. The flowers are small, white or pink color, collected in inflorescences and resemble the shape of octopus tentacles. Because of this, the nickname "octopus tree" is sometimes heard. But even without flowering, Schefflera arborescens is so beautiful that this feature will not upset you much.

Any violation of the natural conditions of the shefflera will affect its appearance: insufficient lighting will be indicated by pale and dull leaves or curling trunks, incorrect temperature regime- will give itself away by falling leaves. Slow growth means lack of nutrients.

Pests can also interfere with a weakened shefflera: aphids, spider mites and scale insects.

If you notice that the leaves have become sticky, as if covered with a sweet film, you should know: these are aphids.

Plant diseases are treated by spraying with soapy water or commercial herbicides.

A spider mite attack can be easily seen by the thin webs on and around the leaves. Karbofos will help get rid of this scourge. But remember that the tick is omnipresent and cunning. He may be hiding in hard to reach places, for example, in the axils of leaves or under them.

Main rule: the infected individual must be isolated from the rest!!

Aphids and ticks are afraid of infusions of common mustard. Recipe: take 50 g of dry mustard, leave in 6 liters of warm water for 3 days. Then dilute to two buckets and wipe, and also spray the plant 2-3 times a day.

Common types

The Schefflera plant has almost three dozen species:

• Scheffler mix- it's not so much separate species Schefflers are a mixture of several types in one pot or tray. It looks very impressive and attractive.
• Schefflera Janine This is one of the Schefflera varieties, distinguished by smaller, but beautiful leaves. Their color resembles streaks of white-yellow-green paints. The leaves are pinnate along the edges.
• Schefflera Nora has small leaves of light green color.
• Schefflera Gerda- a variety of plant whose center is light yellow and the edges are green, a very beautiful thick shade.
• Scheffler Louisiana- perhaps the most beautiful and elegant version of sheffler. The leaves resemble glossy leather in texture. The color is green, juicy, with light spots.
• Sheflera Janine
• Scheffler Louisiana
• Schefflera Nora
• Schefflera Gerda

By adjusting humidity, temperature and illumination, you can achieve the remarkable appearance and quality of your particular Schefflera specimen. Listen and take a closer look at your green pet, especially during the first time he is in your home, and he will repay you handsomely.

Answers to readers' questions

At proper care, timely replanting and pruning, sheffler can live up to 20 years.

If you allow it to grow strongly (up to 2 meters in height), then it will simply no longer fit in your house.

Is this flower poisonous?

By wiping the leaves, the owners of the plant achieve a beautiful glossy shine and a magnificent appearance for the shefflera. But precautions must be taken because the flower is poisonous. Particular attention should be paid to this fact when pruning the plant.

Don't forget! Schefflera juice contains substances that can irritate human skin and mucous membranes!

Why do leaves darken, dry out and fall off?

If the Schefflera leaves begin to darken, starting from the tips, urgently pay attention to humidity and watering. Most likely, the plant is drying out.

If the leaves fall off, then it is likely that you have gone too far with the temperature or, conversely, the flower is frozen.

Has Schefflera become stained? Quickly remove it from the bright and burning rays of the sun.

But due to lack of light, the leaves will fade.

How does the plant overwinter?

Like any tropical plant, Schefflera must rest. This is a dormant state where growth and basic functions slow, usually occurring during the winter. The air temperature is reduced to 15 degrees. Fluctuations in the value of plus or minus 3 degrees are allowed. Best place for wintering - an insulated loggia or balcony. Shefflers sharply limit watering and observe its behavior. Excessive moisture can lead to flower diseases: dropping leaves or viral infections.

An evergreen shrub, liana or small Schefflera tree of the Araliaceae family, native to tropical countries. There are other names for the crop - umbrella tree, umbrella plant, schefflera, and also shefflera. IN wildlife sometimes grows on other trees as an epiphyte. The upright stems bear glossy, palmate, evergreen leaves.

Schefflera, grown at home.

Schefflera flower is popular due to its small sizes and unpretentiousness. The optimal growing environment is a warm and evenly moist microclimate with bright, indirect light. Schaeffler fits perfectly into the interior of your home, office or garden.

Lighting

Schaeffler comes from regions with plenty of sunshine. Caring for a houseplant at home involves creating a dark or indirect lighting. You can protect shefflera on window sills with adjustable blinds or roller blinds. Using safety measures will limit the flower from the influence of extreme heat and direct sunlight, which can cause burns to the foliage and excessively dry out the soil.

High indoor temperatures do not affect schaeffler, as these plants are native to warm temperate and tropical areas. However, extreme changes or exposure to cold drafts can cause a number of illnesses. Sheflera at home best preserves its decorative properties in warm greenhouses or closed loggias.

Watering and humidity

Schaeffler prefers an evenly moist environment. During active growth, the plant should be watered regularly. IN winter period you need to prevent the earthen clod from drying out and moisten the soil as needed.

If there is too much liquid in a flowerpot without drainage, you must urgently take action - drain the remaining water from the pan. If this does not help, you need to change the soil. Otherwise, inaction will lead to many pathogenic diseases and problems with the vegetative growth of the flower. Leaves that turn black and fall off are the first sign overwatering. Insufficient liquid causes leaf tips to curl.

A long stay indoors with cool temperatures or drafts causes rapid drying of the soil. If the temperature cannot be adjusted for schaeffler, for example, in an office, care must be taken to water more frequently.

Features of transplantation

How to transplant Schefflera? The process of changing soil and container includes:

Transplanting the sheflera into a larger container.

1. A thorough examination of the shefflera to determine the extent of the need to replant the plant. Roots on the surface of the soil are a clear sign that the plant needs a larger pot.
2. You should fill the new container with fresh soil.
3. The houseplant must be carefully removed from flower pot and place in a large container.
4. Carefully add and level the soil around the base of the plant.
5. Water the flower generously.
6. The optimal place to grow shefflera in the house is the south-eastern or south-western side of the building.
7. Feeding should begin no earlier than two weeks after transplantation.

How to trim a flower correctly

To maintain the desired tree-like shape, it is necessary to trim the stems directed closer to the ground. To create a shrub structure, long side branches should be removed. To do this, use sharp scissors to cut each stem above the leaves. To remove the entire stem, you need to make a neat side cut at the base.

Forming the structure of the shefflera using regular pruning.

To thin out the plant or give it the desired size, you can cut off the side shoots on the main stems.

You can remove dead foliage or damaged stems at any time throughout the year. The entire damaged area should be cut out at the very base of the stem.

It is advisable to prune only healthy plants. Until the condition of the flower improves, you should avoid pruning a weakened or disease-affected crop.

Schefflera outdoors

Caring for a cheflera outdoors is no different from the requirements of a plant indoors. The only peculiarity in caring for cheflera on the site is the large number preventive measures against pests and various diseases.

For good outdoor care, you should clean the leaves from dust and debris, and also water the plant periodically. This way the cheflera will create a denser shape for the branches. The plant can become the main decorative decoration of the site, but only for one season as an annual.

The minimum temperature for the plant is +16 degrees. Cold air and the first frosts will destroy the flower. Therefore, it is preferable to grow the crop in tubs and take it out summer period to the open area. With the onset of cold weather, you should move the flowerpot to a greenhouse or winter garden.

Schefflera in its natural environment.

Container Growing Basics

Soil for shefflera

For soil, you can choose a ready-made mixture for palm crops or prepare it yourself. Take sand and humus in equal parts. Mix with leaf and turf soil. Drainage must be provided. Available materials include polystyrene foam, crushed stone and sand. You can purchase expanded clay or special filler at garden stores.

How to choose a container

To choose the right flowerpot, you need to inspect the plant. A fairly large Schefflera needs to be planted in a large container. It should be noted that with each subsequent replanting, the pot should be replaced with a container that exceeds the size of the previous pot by at least 5 cm. To maintain the integrity of the root system, you need to use the reloading technique dense plant with large branches.

Feeding technique

The plant should be fed with a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during vegetative growth. You can also choose alternative option- half the recommended portion of bioregulators should be used when watering every 2-3 weeks.

A prerequisite for successful fertilizing is moist soil. To normalize plant development, you can spray fertilizer on the foliage. Zircon and Epion are used as sprayers.

Typical problems of shefflers

Bacterial diseases

Pseudomonas aeruginosa leaf spot (caused by Pseudomonas aeruginosa) appears, as a rule, on the edges of the leaves of dwarf schefflera. Initially, small water spots appear. Then they merge, turn black and lead to a sharp fall of the leaf.

Schefflera is affected by a fungal disease.

Black bacterial spot affects the entire leaf surface. Yellowish pinpoint lesions form dotted lines. Then they increase between the veins of the leaf and affect the entire stem. As a rule, they cause complete leaf fall.

Fungal diseases

There are two main fungal diseases of Schefflera. Alternathia fungus causes leaf spot, which appears as large brown or black spots with yellow halos that can spread throughout the foliage in just a few days. Poor quality or contaminated planting material may be rotten. As a result, late blight fungus develops. Leaf spot caused by late blight resembles alternation with one difference - the lower leaves are infected first.

For prevention, you can use broad-spectrum fungicides and bactericides. It should be remembered that the plant is very sensitive to chemical damage. Therefore, you must strictly adhere to the instructions. How to save shefflera from bacterial and fungal infections? The disease spreads very quickly on wet leaf surfaces, so a simple preventative measure is to keep the foliage dry.

Mealybugs

Mealybugs are small, soft-bodied insects that feed on plant sap. They are usually white or gray in color, covered with a waxy substance. They attack the leaves, stems, and sometimes the roots of the plant. Male scale insects have wings, females do not.

Small populations of mealybugs can be easily washed off the plant with soap and water. Larger colonies should be controlled with insecticides.

Spider mite

Schefflera is sensitive to mites, tiny arachnids that are almost impossible to notice. These eight-legged pests attack the undersides of leaves, sucking the juice from healthy veins. Early symptoms of spider mite damage include tiny white spots on the undersides of leaves or small yellow-brown blotchy spots. As a result, the leaves will turn yellow and fall off.

Infected plants should be avoided indoors and Schefflera should be treated immediately to prevent spread. With a few applications of insecticidal soap or acaricides on both sides of the plant's leaves, spider mites can be eliminated.

Aphid

Insects can be yellow, bright green, brown or white. They attack the delicate tissues of the plant, including leaves and stems, and suck out the juice. Lead to yellowing of foliage. Inaction causes rapid reproduction of insects, which stops further development of the plant.

Aphids leave characteristic marks on the stems, which are attracted to the soot fungus. Mold turns the entire flower black. An infected crop can be treated with an insecticide.

Negative reactions to Schefflera

Schefflera overgrowth can cause an itchy rash. Some gardeners have reported cases of temporary swelling. The plant is a poisonous representative of the flora and can lead not only to dermatitis, but also to irritation of the mucous membranes.

You should care for the plant carefully using protective equipment - gloves and a respirator. To remove allergic reaction you need to take an antihistamine.

Reproduction

Schefflera can be propagated using seeds, layering and stem cuttings.

Schefflera from cuttings

Stem cuttings taken from a healthy plant will reproduce an exact copy of the crop. Growing a flower from cuttings is quite simple:

1. You must wear protective gloves before touching the plant. Make a side cut 5 to 8 cm below the leaves of the stem. The cut should be made in such a way that two fully formed leaves remain on the branch. It is not recommended to select old stems located at the bottom of the plant.
2. Fill the container with new soil.
3. It is advisable to use warm water to moisten the soil. There is no need to fill the flowerpot with water. It is enough to carry out periodic watering as the top layer of soil dries.
4. Next, you need to make a hole in the pot to accommodate the stem.
5. Pour 1 tablespoon of growth stimulator into a plastic bag and dip the cutting.
6. Place the branch in a pot of moistened soil.
7. Cover the flowerpot with transparent plastic or stick a transparent bag over the entire container. Using plastic you can create a humid miniature greenhouse.
8. Place the planted cuttings in a warm room with bright light. Direct sunlight should be avoided.
9. The flowerpot needs to be ventilated daily. To allow air to circulate, the plastic bag should be opened periodically for one to two hours.
10. If the soil surface becomes dry, use a water spray.
11. After four to six weeks, the development of the root system can be checked. Resistance means the stem has taken root.
12. Once the root system has begun to form, the plastic should be removed.
13. It’s quite easy to continue caring for your new chef. It is enough to water as the soil dries and keep the delicate plant from drafts and direct sunlight.

Propagation by seeds

Seed germination directly depends on storage conditions and duration. Keeping planting material for more than three weeks after collection in a warm room will reduce the likelihood of seedlings forming by up to 40%.

To stimulate the seeds, you can prepare a mixture of vermiculite, ground limestone and liquid fertilizer. Before planting, seeds should be soaked in warm water for 12 hours. The volume of water should be 4 times the volume of all seeds. Heat treatment will reduce germination time by several weeks.

Sow the seeds to a depth of no more than 2 cm. It is necessary to water the soil sufficiently to make the soil moist, but not soggy. Seedlings should be protected from direct sunlight.

How to grow Schefflera with layering

The thick stems of the plant are difficult to root using traditional methods. Therefore, for reproduction it is usually recommended:

Why doesn't Schefflera bloom?

IN room conditions Schefflera does not bloom. In its natural environment, the crop produces tiny milky and red inflorescences in the summer.

Planting material

It is more profitable to purchase Schefflera in the form of seeds. The average price, for example, for shefflera “Janine” is about 20 rubles. Be sure to pay attention to the date of harvest and packaging of the crop.

Schefflera in bonsai style.

An adult tub of intertwined sheflera (about 160 cm) is valued at 11 thousand rubles.

Schefflera is a tropical plant in the form of a small bush or small tree. Considering the origin of the flower, it requires the creation of special conditions and provision of proper conditions for comfortable growth. All features associated with these processes will be discussed in detail in this article.

Features and rules for caring for cheflera

First we need to consider general rules related to caring for this tropical plant:

Soil requirements

Initially, you need to familiarize yourself with the requirements for the soil in which the sheflera will grow, since this is one of the main factors influencing the growth and development of the plant. All features are discussed below:

1. You can use the purchased option soil mixture , which is designed specifically for flowering tropical plants, but they most often require additional addition of sand.
2. You can prepare the soil mixture yourself at home; for this you will need to mix the turf, leaf soil, humus of plant origin, river sand. The volume of each component in the given sequence is reduced by one part.
3. The sand must first pass heat treatment in the oven or microwave. This is due to the fact that it is an ideal environment for reproduction and development various microorganisms, and sheflera is very susceptible to their influence. Therefore, it is necessary to eliminate the risk of mortal danger to the flower and destroy all organisms under the influence of high temperatures. After this treatment, it is recommended to leave the sand in a cool and dark place for a month; this period will be enough for it to reappear. beneficial bacteria, without which it is impossible to restore the natural microflora.
4. There must be a place under the soil in the pot. drainage layer , the most suitable material for its organization is expanded clay.
5. The surface of the soil in the pot must be additionally compacted, which eliminates unwanted air gaps in the soil mixture.
6. Acidity level should be low, and the fertility rate is high.

Optimal temperature, air humidity and lighting

Temperature

To others an important condition care is to maintain optimal temperature conditions. Many gardeners believe that shefflera has a positive attitude towards high temperatures, since its homeland is the Asian and Australian tropics, but this is a common misconception.

The main features of suitable temperature conditions are discussed below:

1. In summer, it is important to prevent the plant from overheating: conditions are considered comfortable if the thermometer shows a temperature of +16 °C, only minor deviations from this indicator are allowed.
2. During summer nights there may be an increase temperatures up to +22 °C.
3. In winter, regardless of the specific time of day The temperature should be maintained within +14-16 °C.

It must be remembered that too hot conditions lead to the cessation of natural growth and the subsequent fall of leaves, and prolonged hypothermia can completely destroy the cheflera.

Humidity level

Considering the origin of sheflera, to ensure comfortable conditions it will be necessary to maintain high air humidity in the room. In this regard, the following basic rules must be observed:

1. The plant should not be located in close proximity to air conditioners, batteries and other similar communications, since they contribute to increased dryness of the surrounding air.
2. It is necessary to systematically spray the leaves from a spray bottle, the procedure is carried out at least twice daily. For these purposes, it is necessary to use pre-settled water brought to room temperature.
3. Additionally, all leaves can be wiped with wet cloths made of non-synthetic material. This will not only increase the humidity level, but will also facilitate the timely removal of dust and other dirt.

It must be remembered that excessive leaf shedding may be the main evidence of insufficient air humidity.

Lighting level

It is also necessary to take into account the degree of illumination, here it has a whole series special rules:

1. Sheflera should not be exposed to direct sunlight, as it can cause fatal burns. The main symptoms are the appearance of yellow pigmentation or brown dry spots on the surface of the foliage.
2. At the same time, the cheflera does not tolerate prolonged exposure to dark places., therefore she should be provided good lighting, but diffuse rather than directed type.
3. Placing a pot with a plant on the windowsill is allowed only if there are no other more suitable places at home. In this case, it is not allowed to place the chefler near window openings, facing south.
4. An exception to the rules is made only for the variegated variety of sheflera, which, due to the characteristics of this variety, requires increased amount solar lighting. It can be placed on south-facing windows, creating only slight shading.

Watering

Particular attention must be paid to watering, since violations water regime may lead to irreversible consequences. The basic rules are given below:

1. Schefflera is a moisture-loving plant species., but the use of too large volumes of water is not allowed, as this leads to rotting of the root system.
2. Before each watering, the condition of the soil is checked: It should not be allowed to dry out; it should always retain light moisture.
3. For plants that have reached a sufficiently large size, an alternative watering option is used: they are placed in trays with pebbles into which water is poured. The root shoots themselves will absorb the amount of moisture they require.
4. In winter, as well as during any movement of the plant to cooler temperature conditions, it is necessary to reduce the volume of water used for irrigation. This is due to a slowdown in metabolism, so the load also needs to be reduced to avoid possible decay.

Transfer

Every person involved in growing sheflera needs to become familiar with the basic rules for replanting it, since this procedure must be carried out every two years. This condition is due to the plant's natural growth causing it to become cramped in its current pot.

The main nuances that will need to be considered before transplantation are given below:

1. A new pot in which the plant will be planted, is selected in such a way that its diameter is 5 cm larger than that of the previous container.
2. During the transfer prerequisite is to replace the soil mixture with new soil.
3. Holes must be made in the surface of the bottom of the new pot, which are necessary for natural air exchange and elimination of excess moisture. If their diameter turns out to be too large, then it will be possible to additionally lay a layer of mesh that will not allow the soil to fall out.
4. The most successful period for transplantation is spring, especially March or early April. This is due to the plant coming out of its dormant state, its life processes are activated and the flower adapts to new conditions much faster, moreover, a change of environment can stimulate its growth and development.
5. Only young plants need frequent replanting, fairly mature and very large bushes are moved to new pots much less often.

Top dressing

Schefflera needs constant feeding; the basic rules and features of such care are given below:

1. Application of liquid fertilizers intended for flowering plants, carried out every 10 days. A break is taken only from December to February, while the plant is in a dormant state.
2. From spring to autumn, monthly spraying with a solution of bioregulators is carried out. Among the most suitable remedies are immunocytophyte, zircon or epin.

Trimming

Pruning sheflera usually does not cause any difficulties, since this procedure is carried out using standard technology, like other varieties of ornamental shrubs.

It is usually carried out to achieve two main goals:

1. Correct crown formation, so the specifics this process depends on how the gardener sees his plant.
2. Seasonal shortening of branches. First of all, it is necessary to eliminate weakened, yellowed, dried, intertwined, deformed, damaged, diseased or overgrown shoots.

Reproduction

There are various methods for propagating cheflera, all of them are given below:

1. Sowing seeds, which is usually carried out at the end of February. The substrate used is the usual soil for adult plants or a mixture obtained by mixing clean sand and peat in equal proportions. Planting material pre-soaked in warm water, after which it is placed in the ground at a short distance from each other. The container is stored in a room with a temperature range of +20-23 °C, periodically ventilated and moistened with a spray bottle. With the appearance of several well-formed leaves, the seedlings are transplanted into individual pots. Then transplants will be regular, and will be carried out as the bushes grow. It is also necessary to gradually reduce the temperature until it is brought to the level that is the optimal indicator for adult plants.
2. For propagation by cuttings, only woody shoots are used, which are pre-treated with root or any other suitable stimulant, after which they are placed in a substrate, which is a mixture of sand and peat in equal proportions. It is imperative to maintain a temperature regime within +20-22 °C, the presence of sources of diffused lighting and tightening the container from above plastic film to maintain the resulting humid and warm microclimate. After rooting of the cuttings, the temperature regime gradually decreases to optimal values, and when the root shoots are finally formed and grow significantly, it will be possible to transplant the seedlings into individual containers.
3. Reproduction by layering is practiced only for fairly large and mature bushes. A suitable period is the beginning of March, at this time a shallow incision is made on the trunk of the sheflera, which is then wrapped in gauze treated with a solution of sphagnum moss, and on top it is covered with plastic film. In a month, it will be possible to observe the appearance of the first root shoots in this place, and after a few months, the cheflera is cut off below the rooted area and planted in a separate pot.

Pests and diseases and methods of combating them

Schefflera is susceptible to frequent attacks by aphids, scale insects and spider mites; measures to combat them are as follows:

1. Treatment of plants with chemicals, designed to combat a specific type of pest.
2. Preventative treatment of the plant, which minimizes the risk of pests.
3. Getting rid of soil in which sick or pest-attacked plants grew, since they can survive in the ground and do not always die even when exposed to high temperatures.
4. Keeping a sick or affected plant in quarantine to prevent the outbreak of an epidemic or the spread of pests throughout all domestic flowers.

Basic mistakes

Below are the main mistakes that are made when growing and caring for sheflera. Familiarization with them will help prevent their possible recurrence in the future:

1. Lack of hand washing after caring for or contact with the cheflera. It must be remembered that the plant is poisonous, so handling it requires caution.
2. Wrong pot size. The plant should not be cramped, but too much free space is also undesirable.

1. Growing temperature: throughout the year, fairly cool conditions at a temperature of 16 - 18 degrees Celsius are suitable for shefflera.

2. Lighting: Brightly lit location with shade from direct sun.

3. Watering and air humidity: in spring and summer, dry the soil 2 - 3 centimeters deep before each subsequent watering; in winter, simply protect the earthen ball from drying out completely if the plant is in a cool place. Air humidity is quite high.

4. Trimming: Regular pruning and pinching of the tips of young shoots to form a compact and bushy plant.

5. Priming: well drained and nutrient substrate, easily allowing moisture and air to pass to the roots of the flower.

6. Top dressing: from spring to autumn, feed monthly with mineral fertilizers for decorative foliage plants.

7. Reproduction: rooting of stem and leaf cuttings, rarely by seeds.

Botanical name : Schefflera.

Schefflera domestica - family. Araliaceae.

Homeland of the plant. Australia and Oceania.

What it looks like. The genus consists of approximately 900 evergreen shrubs, vines or low trees. Majority indoor plants It is a shrub with erect stems. With age stems become lignified and covered with light brown bark.

Complex leaves Schefflers have very long petioles and are arranged alternately on the stems. The leaves consist of oblong-oval segments arranged in a circle, the number of segments varies from 5 to 14. In green-leaved species, the leaves are solid green, variegated varieties are distinguished by the presence of white or yellow spots on the leaves.

In nature, shefflera is thrown away flower stalks, bearing many small, often reddish flowers. After flowering, the plant forms rounded berries.

Height. In its natural environment, the Schefflera flower takes on impressive sizes and can reach 14 m. in height. In indoor conditions, plants are pruned or low varieties are grown.

The size of plants at home is also affected by the volume of the pot - in cramped containers, plant development slows down.

2. Schefflera care at home

2.1.Reproduction, growing from a leaf

Schefflera breeds stem cuttings under a cover made of transparent plastic or glass using growth hormones.

Rooting is quite easy, sometimes even in a simple glass of water in spring and summer. It is worth adding a small amount of crushed charcoal to the water for rooting.

It is advisable to treat the bases of the cuttings with growth hormones and cover the young plants with a transparent plastic cap or a simple plastic bag to maintain uniform humidity.

2.2.Transplant

Young plants are planted annually into fresh soil and a larger pot, adults - transplant every 2 - 3 years.

For tuber bushes, the replanting of which is difficult, the top layer of the mixture is replaced with fresh soil annually.

The plant should be given a fairly spacious pot to increase the feeding area.

2.3.When it blooms

At home, flowering occurs very rarely. In nature, plants bloom during the summer months.

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2.4.How to care for shefflera, pruning

The plant is very popular in culture due to its spectacular appearance and ease of cultivation.

Wipe from time to time leaves plants with a damp sponge to remove dust.

Trim the Schefflera in the fall to maintain a compact shape. The plant responds to pruning by the appearance of a large number of side shoots, which allows it to form a thick and lush crown.

Pinch apical buds of young plants to form a dense crown.

Provide long stems support for growth.

Periodically turn the pot with the shefflera on different sides to the light source so that the plant develops symmetrically.

2.5.Diseases and pests

• Yellowing and abscission leaves may be caused by stagnation of moisture at the roots.
• With periodic flooding, the plant becomes sluggish and this behavior encourages novice gardeners to water, which further aggravates the situation.Unfortunately, this situation often leads to the death of the sheffler.
• When there is a lack of light, plants become elongated.
• As the plant ages, it may lose lower leaves and expose the stems - such plants should be subjected to radical anti-aging pruning.
• Lack of moisture causes the plant drop leaves.
• The leaves are getting smaller and fade due to lack of nutrients.
• If there are cold drafts in the room or if you are located near heating devices plants may lose leaves.

Harmful insects can attack the flower mealybugs, aphids and red spider mites, scale insects.

Insects - pests

Insect name	Signs of infection	Control measures
Mealybug	The surface of the leaves and shoots is covered with a fluffy, cotton-like white coating. Plants lag behind in development	Folk remedies: spraying with soap and alcohol solution. Infusions of tobacco, garlic, cyclamen tubers, alcohol treatments, and pharmacy tincture of calendula have worked well. Chemicals : green soap solution, Actellik, Fitoverm.
Spider mite	Inconspicuous cobwebs on the leaves, yellowing and falling leaves with extensive damage. The surface of the leaf plates becomes dead and covered with small cracks. Plant development slows down.	Traditional methods. Plants can be washed in the shower and left in the bathroom in a humid atmosphere for half an hour. Irradiation ultraviolet lamp every week for 2 minutes. Chemicals based on pyrethrum, sulfur powders, Fitoverm, Actellik.
Aphid	Sticky droplets appear on the leaf blades, the leaf blades curl and become deformed, tender buds and young leaves wither. Colonies of insects can be seen on the tips of shoots, buds or the underside of leaf blades. The flowers of plants affected by aphids may become deformed.	Traditional methods: infusion of nettle, decoction of rhubarb leaves, wormwood, soap solution, infusion of tobacco and dandelion, onion, marigold, yarrow, tansy, dusting with virgin ash. Chemicals: Sulfur powders, treatment of green mass with green potassium soap without getting into the ground, Decis, Actellik, Fitoverm.
Scale insect and false scale insect	Sticky droplets on the leaves, small yellow spots on the surface of the leaf blades. When scale insects become widespread, they cause leaves to dry out and fall off. Flowers slow down their development	Folk methods of struggle. Spraying with soap and alcohol solution. Scale insect larvae do not like garlic infusion; they also use pyrethrum-based products. Chemicals. Fitoverm, Aktellik, Fufanon.

2.6.Soil

Loose nutrient soil with good drainage.

A mixture of garden soil with leaf humus, peat, with the addition of a small amount of coarse river sand and crushed charcoal.

2.7.Watering

The frequency of watering will depend on the ambient temperature.

When kept in a room with a temperature above 20° C, maintain the soil evenly moist, but not swampy. At a temperature of about 16 ° C - dry the top layer of soil with a thickness of about 3 cm. between waterings.

A few minutes after watering, excess moisture from the pan should be drained.

2.8.Fertilizers for shefflera

Spring and summer feed liquid fertilizers monthly. In autumn and winter, plants are given rest and feeding is stopped.

2.9.Lighting

A brightly lit area with plenty of reflected sunlight, but without access to direct rays.

Plants also develop well in partial shade, but they can react to a lack of light by yellowing and dropping leaves.

2.10.Temperature

She prefers Schefflera at home cool conditions and does not like extreme heat.

Throughout the year, it is advisable to keep plants at a temperature 16 - 18°C. With more high temperature indoors, the frequency of watering and air humidity should be increased.

During the winter months Not expose plants to temperature below 10°C.

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2.11.Spraying

Increase humidity with tray with wet pebbles or room humidifier , and also surrounding the pot with a layer wet sphagnum moss.

Spray The plant can be washed in the morning with water at room temperature.

Schefflera can be kept indoors without additional humidification, but will look healthier with increased air humidity.

2.12.Purpose

Suitable for landscaping spacious and bright rooms.

2.13.
Note

All above-ground parts of the plant poisonous– be careful when handling Schefflera and keep children and pets away from the plant.

This species will grow indoors with proper care within many years.

2.14.Hydroponics

Grows well in hydroponics.

3.Varieties:

3.1.Schefflera "Gerda" - Schefflera arboricola "Gerda"

A beautiful variety of tree-like schefflera with variegated, glossy leaves, colored greenish, yellow or white in the center of the leaf blade, and greenish along the edges of the leaves. The plant can reach a height of 2.5 - 3 m, so it needs periodic corrective pruning.

3.2.Schefflera arboricola "Janine"

A low tree-like variegated Schefflera, forming a very lush bush. The leaves are divided into 5 - 7 glossy, oblong-oval, entire-edged segments - fingers, colored in shades of green, white or yellowish. The main distinguishing feature of this variety is that many segments have a solid white, greenish or yellow color.

3.3.Schefflera "Nora"

An aerial variety of tree-like shefflera, characterized by its compact size. The leaves are uniform - green, glossy, divided into 5 - 7 very thin, oval fingers. Sometimes on sale you can find plants of this variety with beautifully braided trunks.

3.4. Schefflera "Melanie" - Schefflera "Melanie"

A variegated variant of the tree-like Schefflera, about 50 cm high, with very attractive compound, palmate leaves. The main shade of the leaves is light green or yellowish; standard green may be present only on some fingers or along the edges of the leaf blades in the form of a thin strip.

3.5.Schefflera elegantissima "Bianca"

Schefflera graceful is also called dizygotheca. A valuable ornamental foliage plant with tall, erect, often branched shoots at the base and complex leaves divided into “fingers.” This variety has very long fingers, and the edges of the leaf blades have large teeth. The leaves are dark green with a thin white border along the edges. The central vein is also highlighted in a light shade. In general, the plant has a delicate, airy appearance.

3.6. Schefflera "Louisiana" - Schefflera "Louisiana"

A variety of tree-like schefflera. The plants are tall - they can reach a height of 70 to 150 cm. The stems are erect, branching abundantly, become woody with age and are covered with light brown bark. The leaves are compound, palmate, green, glossy. The fingers are oblong-lanceolate, thin, giving the entire appearance of the plant an openwork appearance.

3.7.Schefflera actinophylla

In the natural environment, this species often grows as an epiphyte on other trees, although it reaches impressive sizes - up to 12 m in height. It has erect, branched shoots that become woody with age and become covered with smooth greenish-brown bark. The leaves are compound - consist of 7 - 16 fingers, with drooping long, dark green, glossy fingers, reaching a diameter of 60 cm. Often the edges of the leaf blades are slightly corrugated. In nature, this species has the most gorgeous flowering - large inflorescences with many small pinkish flowers are formed at the tops of the shoots.

3.8. Schefflera "Amate" - Schefflera "Amate"

A variety of palmate schefflera, a tall plant, easily reaching 2 m in height even in indoor conditions. The leaves are compound, consisting of dark green, glossy, relatively wide fingers. It differs in that even mature plants do not expose the lower part of the trunk, in addition, leaf fall does not occur even in low light conditions.

3.9.Schefflera “Gold Capella” - Schefflera “Gold Capella”

A variegated version of the tree-like schefflera. Evergreens perennials up to 3 m high with dark green palmate leaves. The stems are thick, erect, and become covered with smooth greenish bark with age. Plants with intertwined trunks are often found on sale. A striking varietal feature is the presence of yellow spots various shapes and size on plant leaves.

They are so similar, but so different... You can read for a long time, but it is better to see the differences in the photographs.

Varietal characteristics

The genus Schefflera includes more than 200 plant species, all of which belong to the Araliaceae family and grow in hot tropical forests. Schefflera looks like small trees or shrubs, with very elegant foliage. Each of its sheets is shaped like a palm with outstretched fingers; there can be from 4 to 12 such “fingers” in one sheet. Sometimes the plant is called an umbrella tree, for its resemblance to an open umbrella. It is kept in the room because of its elegant foliage; flowering in captivity is a rare miracle.

Species

1. The most famous representative is Schefflera digitata, its homeland is New Zealand, it is an endemic plant.
   

   Endemics are those plants that grow only in a specific place on the globe.

   In tropical forests it reaches a height of 8 meters. Its leaf is divided into seven parts resembling fingers. The leaf plates are soft and thin, the edges are pointed. The flower resembles a branched panicle; large flowers can reach 40 cm in diameter. When the flower fades, a purple fruit appears in its place, which is eaten with great pleasure by birds and insects. The life of this variety has long been under threat; local residents take great pleasure in selling this plant to tourists, thereby disrupting its population.

2. Schefflera actinophylla, it is also often called the “green star”. This evergreen tree, reaching a height of 10 - 15 meters, from one or several trunks. This species is characterized by elegant serrated leaves from 30 to 60 cm in length. One leaf consists of 7 – 16 toothed leaves. It blooms with small flowers, united in inflorescences; after they wither, a purple fruit appears, suitable for birds and insects. Schefflera stellate (star-leaved) can be grown from seeds in a greenhouse.
   
3. Schefflera octophylla, is a species native to the subtropical forests of India, Japan and China. In nature, it is a shrub or tree that can reach a height of 2 meters. Its young leaves are covered with light needles, which disappear with age. Each leaf is divided into eight small oval plates.
   
4. Schefflera arboricola- the most numerous species and the most popular in indoor floriculture. You can find the name Schefflera Arboricola after the Latin name of the plant. In its natural habitat it grows as a small shrub, but can grow as a small vine. This type only grows up to 3 meters in height.
   At home, you can most often find the Tree Schefflera, the care of which is quite simple, so it is considered an unpretentious decorative foliage plant. Popular flower for landscape design and apartment interior. Reproduction Tree Schefflera The easiest way to do this is by cuttings or air layering. It is better to obtain cuttings in the warm season from the spring until autumn, during the period of active growth and development of the plant. The young shoot is cut off and placed in water; you should choose a bright place where your pet will produce roots. After two weeks, when the roots appear, the shoot can be planted in a prepared pot for further development. Caring for a tree representative at home can be considered basic. However, you need to follow simple rules, to raise a beautiful “creature”. The tree is a light-loving palm tree, but open sunlight can cause burns to the leaves. You need to choose a bright place near the window; you should immediately abandon the window sill on the south side. In summer, the bright sun “rages” on the southern window. Constant soil moisture is beneficial for the plant; you need to stick to the “golden mean”; stagnation of water at the roots will lead to their rotting and death of the trunk and root system. The optimal temperature is considered to be from +15 to +20 degrees all year round. Feeding should be carried out as planned from spring to autumn, during the period of active growth. Any fertilizer is suitable for “ornamental deciduous plants.” As for replanting, young plants can be subjected to this procedure annually, increasing the new pot by 1-2 cm, but for an adult, strong tree, once every 2-3 years is enough, changing the flowerpot for Schefflera and updating its filler. Land can be bought at any flower shop, suitable for palm trees or home flowers.
5. Now there are many varieties classified as Schefflera variegated, bred specifically for landscape design and apartment decoration. one of the most favorite forms of this species among gourmet gardeners. This palm is native to South Asia. It goes well with other home colors, creating wonderful interior ensembles. Its main advantage is its glossy, fleshy leaves, reminiscent of fingers spread out in different directions. Whatever the care, at home Schefflera Gold Capella blooms extremely rarely or does not bloom at all. Golden Capella grows and develops well in places with diffused light. In the dark corners of the apartment, the elegant variegated foliage takes on a monotonous green. When kept in dark rooms, artificial lighting must be provided.
   
6. not picky about home care. She prefers diffuse lighting. When grown indoors (at home), it reaches a height of 50 cm to 2.5 m, while much depends on the conditions of detention. Moderate humidity of the substrate is suitable, without stagnation of water and drying out of the earthen coma. The color of the foliage is variegated: from white-green to yellow-green.
7. No less elegant variety Scheffler – Amate. It attracts the attention of gardeners with its shiny waxy leaves and resistance to pests of indoor plants (thrips, scale insects, spider mites). The Amate variety is not demanding of light, can be in significant shade and is suitable for apartments and offices with windows facing north.
   
8. One of the most graceful representatives homey look is Louisiana, its decorative openwork leaves do not leave indifferent even the most favorite gourmet gardeners. The leaves are leathery, shiny, can be variegated with splashes of yellow or white. The presence of spots is determined by the sunnier side of keeping the flower at home. In care not demanding, just stick to it general advice on the content of this type of indoor plants.
   
9. (there are many variations of names, such as Janine, Zhannie or Janine) has all the known advantages of the whole species and ease of care at home. It is popular for its elegant variegated foliage. The light green of the leaf is diluted in a chaotic manner with dark inclusions and stains. Gianni tolerates partial shade or shade well, without losing its variegated leaf color.
   
10. Variety Scheffler Charlotte It was introduced not so long ago, but has already gained popularity among landscape designers. The outer part of the leaves is light in color, with a dark green edge visible along the edges, but on the back side of the leaf the color is more saturated and dark. In general, it resembles an open rosette. Used as an ornamental foliage plant for landscaping residential and office premises. When it comes to care, it prefers the same things that are typical for all types of these palm trees.
    
11. Green Star (Green Gold) is one of the recently bred varieties, its distinctive feature is fleshy dark green leaves, attracting close attention. Prefers high air humidity and practically does not bush. If your interior lacks rich green color, you can try growing Scheffleru Green Star from seeds, buying them at a flower shop. Planting in the ground is best done in the spring (late February - early March, April) during the period of active growth and development of all domestic flowers. The seeds are placed in a moist substrate; the top of the pot can be covered with film, but when the plant hatches, the film should be removed. The container with sprouts must be placed in a bright place, but not in the sun, otherwise the delicate foliage may get sunburned and die.
12. Schefflera Nova (or Nora) attracts gardeners with its elegant foliage and ease of care at home. It has very long narrow dark green leaves, not evenly toothed at the edges. The color of the leaves is light olive with splashes of yellow. All year round it will delight you with its lush crown.
    
13. , another beautiful species of Schefflera tree. It differs from other varieties in the fine variegation of its leaves and elegant crown.
    
14. Among the many varieties bred, it should be noted separately Scheffleru Bianca. It has shorter leaves compared to other varieties: about 8 cm in length. Each leaf has a white edge and beige tones at its base. Due to the contrasts of colors, light and dark, the serrations along the edges of the leaves stand out less clearly.
    It is worth noting that care for Schefflera Bianca is the same as for the parent of the species. At home, you should organize abundant watering, drying the top layer of soil, apply complex fertilizers every 2 weeks from May to August and set the temperature in the summer to within 22 °C, and in the winter to about 18 °C.
15. It is famous among flower growers for its decorative dimensions; it is perfect for small apartments and premises. If you don't have enough space for large palm tree, then you can safely opt for this variety of shrubs.
    
16. In a flower shop you can often find plants labeled Schefflera Mix; a novice florist always asks the question “how to care for this variety at home.” In a pot marked Mix, you can safely find any representative of this genus. As for care, you need to adhere to the basic rules for growing this species in residential (or non-residential) premises.

Care

Almost all types of Scheffler require the same conditions, with the exception of the differences described in this article. General recommendations to care, methods of reproduction and other interesting facts can be read in the corresponding