Schefflera (finger tree)
The Schefflera is a houseplant with a graceful and hip appearance that is native to Australia and New Zealand. The nickname of this hip houseplant is 'The Finger Tree', it owes this name to its leaves!
The Schefflera: A graceful and trendy houseplant
The Schefflera, also known as the "Finger Tree," is a stylish and trendy houseplant which is native to Australia and New Zealand. This plant gets its nickname from its distinctive leaves, which grow in groups and mimic the shape of a hand. This gives the plant a full, green look, perfect for brightening up your interior.
Schefflera belongs to the ivy family (Araliaceae) and comes in various forms, including lianas, trees and shrubs. Although originally from Oceania, today the plant is spread all over the world, with dozens of different species. Moreover, the Schefflera is not only easy to care for, but also has air purifying features!
Water requirements of the Schefflera
The Schefflera is not a demanding plant when it comes to water. In the summer months, it likes slightly moist soil, but make sure no water remains in the pot, as wet feet can harm the plant. In winter, the soil may dry out slightly between waterings. If you are unsure if it is time to water, it is better to skip one. Watering once a week in summer and once every 10 days in winter is usually sufficient. If the soil is already dry after three days, you can water a little more next time.
The amount of water the Schefflera needs depends on several factors, including temperature, plant size and pot. Experiment in the beginning to discover what works best for your plant. Remember to water the plant regularly; this helps to remove dust, allowing more sunlight to reach the leaves, and it also works as a preventative against pests.
The proper location for a Schefflera
The Schefflera prefers a bright spot without too much direct sunlight; three to five hours of direct sunlight per day is sufficient. Lighter varieties of Schefflera, identified by their lighter leaves, need a little more light than the dark green varieties. These houseplants like heat, with a minimum temperature of 14 degrees during the day and 8 degrees at night. Make sure the plant is not in a draft, as this makes it more susceptible to lice.
The leaves of the Schefflera discolor
Although the Schefflera is easy to care for, sometimes problems can occur, which the plant shows clearly through its leaves. With a lack of sunlight, the leaves may turn brown or yellow and fall out. The solution is simple: move the plant to a sunnier spot, and it will recover. If the leaves start to curl, it may indicate water shortage. With brown leaves, do not give extra water, as too much water can lead to root rot. If the plant gets too much light, the leaves may glow yellow and lose their bright color. In that case, a spot with less sunlight is better.
Repotting the Schefflera
The Schefflera grows slowly, so repotting is usually only necessary after three years. If you want to repot the plant for aesthetic reasons, do so in the spring so that any damaged roots can recover properly. Choose a pot at least 20% wider than the previous one so that the plant has enough room to grow.
Giving the Schefflera additional nutrition
Six to eight weeks after purchase, the Schefflera will have used up the nutrients in the potting soil. During the growing season (spring and summer), give the plant some extra nutrition with liquid houseplant food, but never give more than is indicated on the package. Too much nutrition can be harmful.
Is the Schefflera a poisonous houseplant?
The Schefflera is not toxic when touched, but the sap contains calcium oxalate, which can cause skin irritation. If the sap is consumed, it can cause mouth irritation and vomiting. Keep this in mind if you have pets or small children.
Common diseases in the Schefflera
The Schefflera is susceptible to mealy bugs, especially if it is in a draughty spot. If you notice pests, first try to control them with a spray of water. If that doesn't work, you can use a biological or chemical pesticide.
Pruning the Schefflera
Even though the Schefflera grows slowly, it is a good idea to prune it every fall. This allows the sunlight to better reach the core of the plant during the winter. In the spring, the plant will then sprout and branch more, making for a fuller plant. Prune the shoots back to the crown to maintain the shape of the plant.
Propagating the Schefflera
The Schefflera can be propagated by taking cuttings, although success is not guaranteed. Cut a cutting about 10 inches long and remove the bottom leaf, leaving two leaves. Place the cutting in water at a temperature of about 24 degrees. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag to increase the temperature and humidity. Once roots are established, the plant can be carefully placed in a pot.
The flowering of the Schefflera
Although Scheffleras can produce beautiful flowers, this rarely happens as a houseplant because indoor conditions are often not optimal. Also, the plant needs a certain size and age to bloom. With some luck, you may be one of the lucky ones to experience flowering!
Buying a Schefflera at Green Bubble
If you're looking for a beautiful and full Schefflera as a houseplant, you've come to the right place at Green Bubble! We work directly with growers to guarantee the freshness and quality of our plants. Order your Schefflera easily through our webshop, and we'll deliver it to your home for free.
Want to bring a beautiful Schefflera into your home? Join the Green Bubble!