Indoor Schefflera

Water this houseplant regularly in order to ensure optimal growth. Allow the soil to become slightly dry between waterings, and then water deeply to ensure that the entire root system has been penetrated with moisture. Aim to saturate the soil and let the excess water run away from the base of the container. Over-watering can lead to root rot and other issues associated with too much moisture.

Indoor Schefflera will grow best in medium, indirect light. Avoid placing it near a direct source of sun, but make sure it has access to a few hours of daylight. The indirect sunlight will help it to grow a healthy, strong stem, and keep the foliage from yellowing. You may need to rotate the houseplant periodically to help it grow evenly and receive light from all sides.

The optimal temperatures for indoor Schefflera are between 65 and 85 degrees Fahrenheit (18-30° Celsius). It will tolerate temperatures lower than this range, but it may cause the leaves to become discolored or drop. The temperature should not exceed 95 degrees Fahrenheit (35° Celsius) or it will lead to leaf damage.

Schefflera prefers higher levels of humidity. It's ideal to keep the surrounding air moist at around 60% humidity. If the air is too dry, the leaves may begin to discolor or drop. Regular misting of the foliage can help increase humidity levels. Avoid getting the water into the center of the plant because this will encourage rot.

Schefflera prefers a soil that is light and well-draining. A peat-based soil is a great choice because it is both lightweight and it retains moisture. Try to avoid heavy clay or soil mixes that are too rich as it these can cause root rot. If planting in a container, it's important to make sure that the container has plenty of drainage holes.

Fertilizing your indoor Schefflera should be done on a monthly basis during the active growing season. Select a houseplant-specific fertilizer that is balanced in its ratio of N-P-K. Apply the fertilizer according to the instructions on the package. If the plant shows signs of nutrient deficiencies such as yellowing or stunted growth, it may be necessary to perform more frequent applications.

Indoor Schefflera is relatively free from pests, but it is still recommend to keep an eye out for common houseplant pests such as mealybugs, spider mites, scales, and aphids. To prevent infestations, periodically inspect the plant for signs of infestation. If a pest infestation is spotted, start by removing any visible pests by hand. If this is unsuccessful, it may be necessary to use an insecticidal soap. After doing so, be sure to rinse the product from the foliage to avoid any damage to the plant.

When a Schefflera needs to be repotted, it is usually a sign that it has outgrown its current pot. Select a pot that is 1-2 sizes bigger than the current one. It is important to use well draining soil and place a layer of small pebbles or rocks at the bottom of the pot for added drainage. Allow for about two inches of room between the top of the pot and top of the soil. It is best to Repot in the spring time before the growing season begins.

Pruning your Schefflera is recommended to keep its size in check. Prune away long and thin stems that leach energy from the rest of the plant. Also, trim away any dead or diseased stems as soon as they are noticed. When pruning, be sure to use sharp pruning shears and make clean cuts. This will that the healing rate is increased and the plant will recover more quickly.

Mulching your indoor Schefflera is a great way to keep the soil and roots moist. Organic materials such as bark chips, wood chips, and shredded leaves work well for this plant. Avoid using plastic mulch as this can retain too much moisture and can contribute to root rot or other disease.

Propagating an indoor Schefflera is easy and can be done in either the spring or summer months. Separate the rhizomes from the parent plant and either direct sow in moist soil or place the cutting in a container of water and wait for roots to develop. Once the roots appear, transfer the cutting to a pot with soil and continue to care for it as you would a full grown plant.

As your Indoor Schefflera grows, it will begin to become top-heavy. To provide support to the plant, it is best to invest in a sturdy stake or trellis. You will want to position the stake close to the base of the plant and secure it with string in order to keep the top weighing down from the support.

Schefflera does not require a rest period, but it is a good idea to give it a break from regular watering and nutrient application in the winter months. This will allow the plant to receive a much-needed rest before it goes into the active growing season.

Schefflera is not toxic to cats or dogs, but it is still best to keep them away from the plant to avoid any potential issues. This is especially true for young cats or dogs who are more likely to be tempted to chew on the leaves and stems.