Schefflera

The genus Schefflera includes about 200 species of evergreen trees and shrubs, but only a few of them are grown. Often still cultivated eight-leaf Schefflera (Schefflera octophylla) and its varieties, - used as a decorative tapeworm and in compositions. A well-known representative of the genus is Schefflera arborica, or heptapleurum arborica (S arboricola), which in its natural habitat grows as a shrub or liana. It has dimensions more suitable for rooms than the first type, in addition, it almost does not branch, and its top can be pinched. There are various varieties with diverse leaves (split, with yellow and white spots, etc.). Schefflera radiophylla (S. actino-phylla) is a shrub that reaches 2-2. 5 m in height when grown in a pot; in natural habitat - 12 m. It forms beautiful large leaves from glossy leathery oval-oblong leaflets collected from 3 to 15-16 pieces. Small red flowers (usually not found on cultivated specimens) - in ears. Schefflera palchata (S. digitate) - a shrub with complex leaves consisting of 10 sessile (grow directly from the central axis) oblong leaflets. Instead of greenish flowers, dark berries are formed. Various compact varieties with more or less variegated leaves are available for sale.

The genus Schefflera includes about 200 species of evergreen trees and shrubs, but only a few of them are grown. Often still cultivated eight-leaf Schefflera (Schefflera octophylla) and its varieties, - used as a decorative tapeworm and in compositions. A well-known representative of the genus is Schefflera arborica, or heptapleurum arborica (S arboricola), which in its natural habitat grows as a shrub or liana. It has dimensions more suitable for rooms than the first type, in addition, it almost does not branch, and its top can be pinched. There are various varieties with diverse leaves (split, with yellow and white spots, etc.). Schefflera radiophylla (S. actino-phylla) is a shrub that reaches 2-2. 5 m in height when grown in a pot; in natural habitat - 12 m. It forms beautiful large leaves from glossy leathery oval-oblong leaflets collected from 3 to 15-16 pieces. Small red flowers (usually not found on cultivated specimens) - in ears. Schefflera palchata (S. digitate) - a shrub with complex leaves consisting of 10 sessile (grow directly from the central axis) oblong leaflets. Instead of greenish flowers, dark berries are formed. Various compact varieties with more or less variegated leaves are available for sale.

Cultivation

They are grown indoors, and in good season the plants are exposed to the open air. The soil for cultivation should consist of sterilized land (50%), sand (25%) and peat (25%). In the spring and summer period, fertilizer is added to the water for irrigation at the rate of 10 g per bucket.

Location

Plants are kept in maximum light, but they should not be placed in direct sunlight.

Temperature

The air temperature in winter should be maintained at 16-18 °C, as plants do not like high temperatures with low humidity. In summer, the temperature should not exceed 26 °C.

Watering

It does not tolerate over-drying of earthen clods and excessive watering. It should be borne in mind that scheffler has increased requirements for air humidity. In too hot an environment, it suffers, so you need to often spray water on the leaves and soil.

Transplant

They are transplanted in spring into larger pots (the final diameter is 20 cm), which are filled with soil, and fertilizers are applied at the rate of 20 g per bucket of water.

Reproduction

Seeds are sown in late winter. They germinate quickly if you first submerge them in water for a day. For germination, use containers filled with standard soil for cultivation. Then the seedlings are transplanted into 8-12-centimeter pots, after which, in the course of development, the plants are transplanted into large containers. Varieties with variegated leaves are propagated by semi-woody cuttings in water or sand. The best time for this operation is late spring.

Diseases

Aphids cause deformity of young shoots and neoplasms on them. At low ambient humidity, mites can appear, which provoke the appearance of small spots, necrosis and yellowing of leaves. The worms suck the sap, which causes the plant to wither. To control each of these pests, there are appropriate preparations, after treatment, which ensure that the correct level of ambient humidity is maintained. Chervetsov should be removed with a cotton swab slightly moistened in alcohol. Too much both watering and lighting can also cause yellowing. leaves and their fall. In addition, a fungal infection leads - spots appear on the leaves. In this case, the treatment is carried out with the appropriate fungicide.

Acquisition

Make sure that the plant is in a healthy state and there are no leaves with dried edges. The plant should be free of insect pests. It is better to purchase compact copies, if possible without internodes.