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.