Cultivation techniques and precautions of Schefflera

Schefflera arborvitae , also known as Schefflera arborvitae or Schefflera arborvitae , is an evergreen plant that not only has high ornamental value, but also can purify the air and absorb harmful gases such as formaldehyde, nicotine and carbon dioxide. Let’s learn the cultivation techniques and precautions of Schefflera arborvitae.

1. Lighting

Schefflera requires 4 to 5 hours of light per day. When caring for it indoors, it can be placed in a place with scattered light or semi-shade. Full sun is acceptable in winter. Avoid long-term exposure to strong light, otherwise the leaves will develop burn spots or even turn yellow. If the growing environment is too cool, the plant will tend to grow too tall and the leaves will turn yellow.

2. Soil

Schefflera is not tolerant to heavy, compacted alkaline soil and is suitable for loose, breathable, fertile, slightly acidic sandy soil. The soil can be prepared by mixing 5 parts of peat soil, 3 parts of leaf mold and 2 parts of river sand, and adding a small amount of cake fertilizer to the bottom of the pot as base fertilizer.

3. Watering

Schefflera prefers a humid environment, is relatively drought-resistant, and is relatively easy to maintain. When the soil is dry, water it thoroughly in time, but avoid waterlogging. Water 1 to 2 times a week in spring and autumn; water once a day in hot summer to keep the soil slightly moist; in winter, growth is slow and water once every 5 to 7 days. Spray water mist on the leaves regularly to increase the air humidity and keep the leaves green and shiny.

4. Fertilization

The fertilization of Schefflera is mainly concentrated in the growing season from April to September, and a thin layer of fertilizer is applied once a month. You can choose nitrogen, phosphorus and potassium compound fertilizer or cake fertilizer water. As a foliage plant, nitrogen fertilizer can be increased appropriately, but care should be taken to avoid excessive amounts, otherwise the patterns of the variegated Schefflera will disappear and turn green. Fertilization should be stopped during the dormant period to avoid damaging the root system and affecting the health of the plant.

5. Pruning

During the seedling stage, only dense and messy branches and leaves need to be trimmed. When the plant sprouts in spring, you can pinch and comb it to remove the tips at the bottom of the main trunk, suppress plant height, and promote the sprouting of side branches. According to the growth status of the plant, dense and messy branches and leaves should be thinned out in time to facilitate photosynthesis and respiratory growth.

In addition, when the light is strong in summer, the Schefflera tree needs to be placed in a ventilated and cool place to avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burns. When caring for the plant in winter, the Schefflera must be placed in an environment with a temperature above 5°C to avoid frostbite. If the temperature drops below 0°C, the plants may suffer frost damage.