If you’re interested in learning how to root a schefflera, you have two techniques to choose from. You shouldn’t feel intimidated in rooting plants yourself because you can always modify the environment to encourage their development. If your area has an unstable climate, consider growing in the greenhouse for a more comfortable starting of schefflera.
Scheffleras themselves rarely even face problems so that newbie gardeners can propagate them without many drawbacks. You can apply the tips below to ensure rooting on your plants regardless of the method you choose. Afterward, provide the proper caring regimen for schefflera to help them stay healthy and thriving.
Cuttings
Step #1. Cutting collection and preparation
The first method you can do to start scheffleras is by using cuttings of healthy parent plants. The process of propagating scheffleras utilizing this technique is no different when you root other plants from cuttings. Remember to use a healthy parent plant and cut using a sharp and sterile knife to prevent diseases.
The section itself should also be free of any signs of damages, and you can cut close to the base. Gardeners often wrap the end in a damp paper towel to keep it moist since cuttings are prone to losing moisture quickly. You can then dip the end of the cutting in rooting hormone powder to hasten the root development.
Step #2. Maintenance and rooting
You can use a pot with your choice of medium and stick the cutting in the middle. The cutting should stand steadily and water the soil immediately to help with the establishment. Maintain soil moisture and place the pots somewhere bright but out of direct sunlight.
A useful tip is using a greenhouse for rooting scheffleras because the conditions are stable. You should expect root formation after a few weeks. Encourage branching by removing the top shoots and transplant the cuttings when the danger of frost has passed.
Layering
The second method that you can do to root a schefflera is by layering. If you are a bit hesitant about growing cuttings, perhaps layering is a more comfortable and straightforward way to propagate these plants. Start by preparing a flexible stem and remove its bark close to its end.
Step #1. Positioning
This will make it easy to bend the schefflera’s stem onto the soil of a planter. Remember that layering pertains to encouraging the development of roots of a parent plant’s stem. However, you can also wrap the area with damp sphagnum moss if the stem can’t reach another pot yet.
Secure that part with plastic and tape and let the roots grow in the moss. This will create a new schefflera that you can replant later on. But what if you managed to bend the stem into another pot earlier?
Step #2. Burying and rooting
Once you have positioned the stem, you want to bury the cut part to create contact between the roots and soil later on. However, be mindful of burying the leafy portion because this can rot. Keep the stem in place as it grows roots using a wire and ensure soil moisture as maintenance.
You can then remove the new growth from the parent plant and transfer it to a new container.
Caring For Schefflera
Caring for schefflera is relatively easy, which is even common as an indoor plant. However, remember that even though some plants don’t encounter problems easily, maintenance of the ideal conditions and practices is necessary year-round. If your location experiences extreme climates, it’s best to use a greenhouse to grow these plants.
Location
Scheffleras will thrive best in loose, moist, fertile, and well-draining medium such as sandy loam soil. You can also test your soil to check its pH level and other components to make the necessary amendments. The location itself should be bright but out of direct sunlight to prevent burning the leaves, but do note that light is essential to avoid leggy growth.
Naturally, scheffleras are tropical plants, which means they will do best in warm and humid areas. Cold conditions are detrimental for the plants, so be mindful of where you place them. This is also applicable if the plants are exposed to vents and drafts.
Water and fertilizer
Similar to other plants, you want to water your scheffleras correctly. Wait for the medium to dry completely to avoid creating a soggy environment that can kill the plants. Soak the pot and let it drain well when you water to keep the plants hydrated.
On the other hand, fertilizing scheffleras is unnecessary, but you can boost them once a year. A diluted water-soluble fertilizer is enough to keep these plants healthy.
Pruning
Do scheffleras require pruning? Pruning is a reasonable maintenance practice to rejuvenate leggy plants or to keep them from overgrowing. You can cut them to your preferred shape or prune to create a fuller look.
Conclusion
Propagating plants like schefflera is easily achievable as long as you know the proper techniques. You can learn how to root a schefflera using two methods, which are cuttings and layering. Rooting schefflera from cuttings is similar to how you would start other plants from cuttings.
Propagate the cutting in the greenhouse to encourage rooting, and you can also dip its end in rooting hormone before planting to hasten the process. On the other hand, you can position and bend the stem of a schefflera onto another pot and encourage root growth from the area where you removed bark.
Both methods require soil moisture and a stable environment, so it’s advantageous to start schefflera in the greenhouse. Once your plants are at the right stage, you can transplant them permanently.