How to Grow Schefflera Indoors

            How to Grow Schefflera Indoors

Introduction

Native to Taiwan and Hainan (Schefflera arboricola), native to Australia,  (Schefflera actinophylla) 

  Botanical Name : 1. Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Variety) ideal for Indoor .

  2. Schefflera actinophylla (big height , larger leaves) ideal for shade outddor spaces

  Family : Araliaceae

Types Of Indoor Schefflera Plant

There are two types of Indoor Schefflera Plants 

1. Schefflera Variegated 

Green leaves with yellow or white variegation, requires brighter light to maintain variegation & Variegation may fade in low light, potentially more prone to leaf burn in direct sunlight.

Positioning :  Ideal for bright rooms, decorative spots requiring color contrast

Schefflera Variegated : myglobalflowers

2. Schefflera Green

Solid Green leaf colour , grow faster than Schefflera Variegated .Less sensitive to changes in light conditions

Positioning :  Suitable for offices, homes with less natural light

Schefflera Green : michlers

How To Grow

Potting Mix : 

1. Garden Soil 45 % : For strong support of the plant, ensuring the stem can bear the weight of the foliage.

2. Cocopeat 40% : To ensure plant contain moisture for long time it improves plant water holding capacity : 

3. Vermicompost 10% : Make nutrients available in the initial growth of the plant in organic form.

4. Perlite 5 % : Perlite is used in potting mix to improve drainage and aeration.

Planter/Pot : You can plant Schefflera in plastic, F.R.P, ceramic, or terracotta pots. Schefflera plants grow well in ceramic pots; choose a pot that is approximately twice the size of the plant's root size.

Watering : For Schefflera plant water on alternate days or you can water on the basis of moisture available in the plant's pot. 

Schefflera Variegated : greenbranchflorist

How to check moisture in plant's pot ?

First Method :  You can check moisture levels by tapping the pot; a hollow sound indicates a need for water, while a solid sound means the plant has sufficient moisture.

Second Method : Lift the pot; if it feels light, it needs water; if it feels heavy, it doesn't.

Third Method : Scratch the topsoil; if it's dry, your plant likely needs watering due to low moisture levels.

Fertilizer : 

Foliar spray with seaweed extract is recommended for indoor plants, although slow release fertilizer granules can also be used.

Location : Schefflera plants can thrive in low light conditions indoors, but they still require some indirect light for optimal growth.

If Plant leaves looks down then plant need to change the location from low light to indirect light source 

Plant Care Tips 

Humidity : Schefflera plant is Air conditioner friendly plant . They can tolerate the drier air typically produced by air conditioning systems, although they do prefer higher humidity levels.

Temprature : Schefflera plant Grows well in room temprature generally 21°C To 25°C Remember do not change plant place in sudden, do not put plant in lower temprature cooler places below 17 °C neither put above 28°C , in winter it will grow in normal room temprature.

                                                

Disease and Pest : 

Disease : 

1. Root Rot : Root rot is primarily caused by fungal pathogens such as Pythium, Phytophthora, or Fusarium, The issue, often caused by overwatering, is more likely to occur when the plant is fully planted in cocopeat media without a good potting mix.

Control : Reduce Watering: Allow the top inch of soil to dry out before watering again to prevent overwatering.

2. Powdery mildew :  is caused by fungal spores of the Podosphaera or Erysiphe genera.

Control :  Baking Soda Solution: Mix 1 tablespoon of baking soda with 1 gallon of water and spray it on the leaves affected by powdery mildew.

                                              Schefflera Variegated  & Schefflera Green : iStock

Insect :

Spider Mite : Spider mites, which are not insects but rather arachnids, are typically caused by environmental factors such as dry conditions or over-fertilization, which weaken the plant's natural defenses.

Control : Neem Oil: Mix neem oil with water and spray it on the affected areas to control spider mite infestations.

Prunning : Trim dead or yellow spotted leaves from the plant to encourage new growth. Isolate infected plants with yellow leaves to prevent the spread of infection to others. Ensure your shears are sharp and sterilized, and make clean cuts on the branches or leaves when trimming.

Blog Written By : Nitin Pandey

                             Horticulturist (Lawn & Plant Expert)