Schefflera arboricola

Common Name:

Schefflera

General Information:

This dwarf schefflera is an evergreen shrub with dark green, glossy, palmate leaves densely covering flexible, green stems which gently fan out into a rounded crown. Moderate salt tolerance.

Family:

Araliaceae

Lighting:

Part shade, part sun

Temperature:

Zone 9b.

Watering:

Adequate water to keep from drying out and remaining dry.

Feeding:

General purpose fertilizer.

Pruning and wiring:

Branching can be encouraged by pinching the stems. It can be pruned into a small tree over a period of years. Style as a broad crowned bonsai with the silhouette of a banyan tree.

Propagation:

May be propagated by cuttings, seed and air layer.

Repotting:

The tree needs annual repotting and may be severely root pruned. Not particular about the type of soil, however it should be well drained and slightly alkaline.

Pests and diseases:

Scale and spider mites when grown indoors. No diseases of major concern.

Bibliography:

US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Fact Sheet ST-586.

Compiled by Thomas L. Zane