How to care for Schefflera arboricola at home
An article about the home care methods for Schefflera arboricola and the precautions for its cultivation, follow the editor to see the specific content!
Schefflera arboricola, also known as "money plant" and "octopus tree," is evergreen throughout the year. It not only has high ornamental value but also purifies the air by absorbing harmful gases such as formaldehyde, nicotine, and carbon dioxide. Below are the cultivation methods and precautions for Schefflera arboricola, starting with five aspects for lush and easy growth. Let's learn together!
Cultivation methods for Schefflera arboricola
1. Light: Schefflera arboricola needs to receive 4-5 hours of light per day. Indoor care should be placed in a location with scattered light or semi-shade. In winter, it can be cared for in full sunlight. It cannot be in a too strong light environment for a long time, as the leaves will develop burn spots or even turn completely yellow. If growing in a too shady environment, the plant may grow excessively and the leaves will turn yellow.
2. Soil: Schefflera arboricola cannot grow in heavy, compacted alkaline soil. It prefers loose, breathable, and fertile slightly acidic sandy soil. The soil mixture can be 5 parts peat soil + 3 parts decomposed leaf soil + 2 parts river sand, with a small amount of cake fertilizer added at the bottom of the pot as a base fertilizer.
3. Watering: Schefflera arboricola enjoys a moist environment and is also drought-resistant, making it relatively easy to care for. Water thoroughly when the soil is dry, but be careful not to overwater.
In spring and autumn, water 1-2 times a week. In hot summer, water once a day to keep the soil slightly moist. In winter, growth is slow, so water once every 5-7 days. Regularly spray water mist on the leaves to increase humidity and keep the leaves green and shiny.
How to care for Schefflera arboricola at home
4. Fertilizing: Fertilizing for Schefflera arboricola mainly occurs during the growing season from April to September, approximately once a month with a light fertilizer, choosing a compound fertilizer with nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium or cake fertilizer water.
Schefflera arboricola is a foliage plant and can be fertilized with nitrogen-rich fertilizers, but nitrogen should not be overused as it can cause the variegation of the leaves to disappear and turn green. During the dormant period, fertilizing must stop, as the roots cannot absorb the fertilizer, which can cause damage and affect the plant's healthy development.
5. Pruning: For young plants, it is sufficient to prune the dense and disorderly branches and leaves. In spring, during the growth period, pruning is mainly carried out by pinching off the top of the main stem to suppress plant height and promote the sprouting of new side branches.
Regularly prune the dense and disorderly branches and leaves based on the plant's growth to avoid affecting photosynthesis and respiration.
Precautions for Schefflera arboricola
1. In summer, when the sunlight is too strong, it needs to be placed in a well-ventilated and shaded area to avoid direct sunlight.
2. In winter, make sure the temperature is kept above 5°C. If the temperature drops below 0°C, frost damage will occur.
3. Make sure to open the windows frequently to keep the air inside the room circulating, which is beneficial for the robust growth of the plant and can prevent diseases and pests.
The above introduction by Green Enthusiast Network about how to care for Schefflera arboricola at home and the specific precautions for its cultivation is hoped to provide green enthusiasts with some knowledge about flowers.