How to Care for a Schefflera
Posted by Enchanted Florist on 1st Jul 2011
Do you know how to care for a schefflera? Dwarf schefflera arbicolas can go by many names, they like to keep you confused I think. Here at Enchanted Florist we just call them scheffs, our sweet wholesale plant lady Maria calls them arbicolas, but you also might here dwarf scheff, dwarf umbrella tree, or just umbrella scheff. Or any combination of those!
We carry a variety of scheffleras and other types of house plants and we are always getting asked how do I take care of my new plant. I’ll cover a little of how to take care of a schefflera below.
Oh no, my plant is loosing leaves!
When you first bring your (we’ll say scheff) home, its common for them to go through an acclimation period. Don’t panic if your plant starts to drop leaves or thins out, it’s perfectly normal!
Most often, like in the picture above, you see the plants as full bushes with thick leaves forming a fingered umbrella shape, or like below with a braided trunk seen often with ficus trees. Scheffs can stretch and grow out of shape so selective pruning is perfectly acceptable.
How to care for a schefflera
Scheffs can adapt to a wide variety of light levels, but they prefer high light if possible, especially if they are of the variegated variety. They have an extensive root system and if outside will often grow toward a water source. Scheffs do not like wet toes, so don’t let them sit in water, not even in the saucer as this will promote disease.
Scheffs are part of the aralia family and like most in the family, they are prone to spider mites. If kept indoors, clean plant and leaves often and remember to clean the under side of the leaves as well where the mites like to hang out.
What type of plant do I send to a friend?
Scheffs and closet plantsare both great options when sending a plant to someone who doesn’t have the greenest of thumbs. They are easy care, low maintenance plants that should grow well in most houses. Our plants can be decorated to fit any personality or to match any home. Below, our scheff is decorated with a bamboo armature and butterfly. Click here to order item RM-413.
And as always, you can call us and talk to our staff about any plant problems or questions you may be having. We don’t mind at all, you can even call if the plant didn’t come from our store.
This article covers how to take care of a scheffleras, see other how tos like how to care of closet plants, and how to take care of your dracaena plants.
Enchanted Florist
4416 Fairmont #104
Pasadena, TX 77504
(832)850-7677
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