Octopus Tree

Water your Octopus Tree whenever the top soil is dry to the touch throughout the season, but always avoid saturating the soil. During the fall and winter you can reduce watering as the plant is dormant. Root rot may occur if the soil is kept too soggy, so make sure the pot has adequate drainage. Add a layer of mulch to the top soil during its dormant period to retain the moisture.

The Octopus Tree prefers bright, indirect sunlight but will tolerate medium to low light during the daytime. Avoid exposure to direct sun as its leaves may burn. During the winter, you can move the plant to a cooler, brighter spot, if it is available. If your plant is in too shady of a spot, the stems may start to get leggy, so finding the right balance of light is key.

This houseplant prefers room temperature of 65 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit or 18-24 degrees Celsius. It can tolerate cooler temperatures close to 45 degrees F (7 degrees C). However, keep temperatures above freezing to avoid frostbite and plant damage.

The Octopus Tree prefers humid environments, although it can tolerate normal or moderately dry air. When the air is too dry, its foliage may start to lose its luster and become brittle, so increase the humidity levels with a humidifier. You may also mist the plant regularly, but be sure to avoid spraying the plant directly to avoid fungal rootrot.

Soil for your Octopus Tree should be in a potting mix that drains well and retains some moisture. A combination of peat, perlite, and vermiculite is a good choice. Avoid using a soil mix that is very dense, as this can cause root rot. Remember to check the soil's pH levels regularly with a soil test kit to ensure the soil is in the optimal range of 5.5 to 6.5.

Fertilization of your Octopus Tree is important because the plant does not take well to over-fertilization. A light feeding of a balanced houseplant fertilizer every two-to-four weeks during the summer months is sufficient to keep it healthy. However, avoid feeding during the dormant season and at least a few months after repotting the tree to avoid shock.

The common pests of an Octopus Tree include aphids, mealybugs, whiteflies, and spider mites. To avoid pests, keep the leaves dry and regularly check for any infestations. Aphids can be controlled with insecticidal soap or neem oil, while mealybugs can be controlled with a cotton swab soaked in rubbing alcohol and wiped over the affected area. For whiteflies, hang yellow sticky traps around the plant and spray neem oil with insecticidal soap to control the adult insects. Be sure to check your plant weekly for outbreaks.

When the Octopus Tree starts to outgrow its pot, it is time to repot it to a larger container. Repotting should be done during the late spring to early summer when the potential for shock is at its lowest. When repotting your tree, choose a pot that is 2-4 inches larger than the previous one and use a fresh, well-draining soil mixture. Make sure to move the tree slowly and gently, as it does not tolerate sudden changes well.

Pruning is important to keep the Octopus Tree healthy and encourage branch growth. Prune the tree yearly to control its size and shape. This can be done during the fall or winter. Remove any dead, damaged, or diseased branches, as well as any sucker growth from the trunk. You can also trim large branches with sharp shears to control the height and shape of the tree.

Mulching your plant with a mixture of bark chips or pine needles will help retain moisture, reduce weed growth, and increase the fertility of the soil. It also adds a decorative touch to the pot. Make sure to mulch no deeper than 2 inches to avoid restricting the oxygen availability to the roots.

The Octopus Tree can be propagated by seed, air layering, or division. To propagate by seed, sow the seeds in a sterile potting mix and lightly cover them with soil. Keep the soil at room temperature and slightly damp. Air layering is done by making a wound in the stem and wrapping the wounded area with a damp paper or sphagnum moss to encourage root formation. Division can be done by lifting the plant from the root ball, carefully dividing the root-ball with a sharp spade, and transferring the divisions to their own pots.

Due to its tall, lanky growth, the Octopus Tree may need support during its formative years. A wooden dowel or stake works well for this purpose. Tie the trunk loosely to the stake with a soft fabric ribbon, making sure not to restrict any growth.

The Octopus Tree goes dormant in the late fall, and this is the time it can benefit from a respite. During this period, reduce the watering, and move the plant to a cool spot. There should be a significant decrease in water and feeding. During the dormancy period, prune the plant hard if necessary to promote better growth and shape in the spring.

Octopus Tree is toxic to pets. If ingested, symptoms could include vomiting, lethargy, and excessive salivation. If you notice any of these symptoms after your pet comes into contact with the plant, take him to the vet immediately.