Chapter 128 Schefflera arboricola

128.1 Umbrella tree

A banyan-style Schefflera. Link to original image

Schefflera

Multiple smaller Scheffleras that have fused together over time. Link to original image

128.2 Soil: Rich Mix

Ratio: 4 parts bark, 1 part coir, 1 part grit

Add-ins: dolomitic limestone (~5 lbs/yd), Tree-Tone (15 lbs/yd)

pH: ~6.5 (slightly below neutral)

Moisture: provide ample moisture through growing season. Reduce water slightly in winter dormancy. They love our humid summers.

128.3 Light

Routine: bright light, away from direct sunshine. Does not like full sun, so situate in midday shade during summer.

128.4 Cultivation Notes

128.4.1 Potting & Root Pruning

Schedule: repot every two years in Spring. Prefers a very free draining soil mix.

128.4.1.1 Top & Branch Management

Prune back hard regularly to encourage branching. Otherwise trim to shape.

128.4.2 Feeding

They are heavy feeders. Feed weekly during the growing season with liquid fertilizer, or use two applications of slow-release pellets. Use a balanced NPK ratio fertilizer.

128.4.3 Pests & Problems

Scale insects and mealy bugs may be a problem indoors.

128.4.4 Winter Storage

Bring indoors when temperatures are below 60°F.

128.5 Propagation Notes

Difficult to propagate. It is better to start with commercially produced trees.

128.6 Artistic & Styling Notes

Groups of smaller trees can be grown together and allowed to fuse, creating a banyan style grove.

128.7 Additional Information

128.7.1 Natural History

Erect shrub or small tree with stiff, thick, sparsely branching stems native to Native to Hainan, Taiwan, Australia and New Guinea.

128.7.2 In Cultivation