Houseplants: Large Leaf Scheffelera

Replies: 11 Views: 58

Author	Comment
daisylovn Wilmer, AL (Zone 8b) November 02, 2009 12:53 PM	I received a large cutting from this plant. Is the care the same as my smaller variety scheff?
pauliewalnuts Fife United Kingdom November 02, 2009 01:55 PM	I've just bought one of these on eBay and have done a little research before it arrives. Seems to need the same care as the smaller Schefflera (arboricola?) i.e. bright, indirect light; evenly moist compost; high humidity. One of my books suggests that it should be kept under 70º F in the summer (not a problem here in Scotland) and above 55º in winter (more of a problem here in Scotland!). All my information comes from various books on houseplants and I'm not sure how reliable they are, so I would also be interested in others views/advice before my new houseplant arrives. BTW, one book does state that propogation is difficult, so it will be interesting to hear how you get on with raising your new plant. Best of luck to you.
plantladylin East Central, FL (Zone 9b) November 02, 2009 04:27 PM	Here are links to Plant Files for a couple of Scheff's that get large. Schefflera actinophylla: http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/37035/ Schefflera arboricola: http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/716/ I think both require the same type of care and conditions.
pauliewalnuts Fife United Kingdom November 03, 2009 12:05 PM	My Schefflera arrived today. In fact, 2 arrived today although I only bought and paid for one. One had a stem that was broken in two, so I'm assuming the other plant was sent as an instant replacement. Now I have two Scheffleras, one large, the other not so large. Any advice on what to do with the broken-stemmed Schefflera would be welcome. Will it heal and continue to branch further down? Is there any chance that any of the broken-off pieces (shown lying on the floor) might root at this time of year? Apologies, Daisylovn, for hijacking your thread. View Larger
daisylovn Wilmer, AL (Zone 8b) November 03, 2009 12:16 PM	No Problem Paulie, : ) We are talking about the same plant. I just saw your pic... Therefore the answer to your questions will also be beneficial to me..
plantladylin East Central, FL (Zone 9b) November 03, 2009 12:27 PM	On the broken branch, I'd remove the two bottom leaves and pot it up ... there's always a chance it will produce roots, so why not give it a try! Both are healthy looking beautiful plants by the way!
daisylovn Wilmer, AL (Zone 8b) November 03, 2009 12:32 PM	They are gorgeous.... Everytime I have an "extra piece" and place it in the soil, it roots up quite easily.
pauliewalnuts Fife United Kingdom November 03, 2009 12:40 PM	I've done as Lin suggested, but I've no compost to pot it up with right now. I've left it in some water, hope this will be ok until tomorrow. Should I use some rooting hormone on the bottom before I pot it up?
plantladylin East Central, FL (Zone 9b) November 03, 2009 12:45 PM	Stick it right in the pot with the parent plant! If you have rooting hormone it might encourage roots quicker!
pauliewalnuts Fife United Kingdom November 03, 2009 12:57 PM	Duh! Can't believe I never thought of that. Thanks again, Lin.
plantladylin East Central, FL (Zone 9b) November 03, 2009 01:23 PM	You're welcome! Just don't get discouraged if it doesn't make it ... you can always try again when you have to prune to keep those big plants from growing to the ceiling. They get very large: http://davesgarden.com/guides/pf/go/37035/
daisylovn Wilmer, AL (Zone 8b) November 03, 2009 03:59 PM	I had placed mine in water until I heard something as well. Will pot mine up when I get home, as I dont have the mother plant.