Schefflera Plant

People keep plants within their homes, in their offices, in restaurants and so many places. Indoor plants not only add to the aesthetic value of the place, but also help to keep the surrounding air pure and clean by absorbing the impurities in it. Also, they have a calming effect on the people who come in contact with them. So, if you're planning to reap the benefits of indoor plants, with some indoor gardening, then one of the best plants that you can go for is definitely the schefflera plant. In the proceeding paragraphs, we will tell you more about it.

The Schefflera Arboricola
The schefflera plant is mainly an indoor tropical house plant. New Guinea, Australia and Java are the native regions of this plant. However, it is used as an ornamental houseplant all around the world. The scientific name of the schefflera arboricola plant is heptapleurum arboricolum and it belongs to the araliaceae family. It is also called the 'dwarf umbrella tree'. Another variety, apart from the schefflera arboricola plant is the schefflera actinophylla. In fact, the schefflera arboricola is the smaller version of the schefflera actinophylla. Many cultivars of the plant have been created and are quite often used as ornamental plants around houses and offices. It can grow up to a height of almost twenty feet, if kept outside and not pruned regularly. It has a deep green foliage, with leaves forming a shape that resembles a circular palm of fingers. Because of this peculiar shape, and the intriguing shadow that the leaves form when light falls on the plant, they are quite popular for decoration.

Caring for the Plant

• Soil: The schefflera plant is a very hardy plant and can handle any type of climate but prefers a warm one. As far as soil is concerned, it tends to get a little picky. It prefers a clayey soil which is rich and loose and mixed with a bit of sandy soil. You can use organic fertilizers whenever you think that the plant requires it.
• Light: This is one plant that loves the sunlight. Though bright and direct may not be ideal, this plant definitely thrives well in indirect but bright light. So place the pot in an area that receives such sunlight for at least 12 hours a day. If you live in a region where your plant cannot get enough sunlight, then you can shop for some grow lights for indoor plants. They will help the plant to grow well and have a glossy green foliage.
• Water: This plant is quite adjusting when it comes to its watering requirements and has very obvious indicators to state when it should be watered and when it shouldn't. Generally, you should wait for the soil to get completely dry (for at least 2-3 inches into the pot) before you water it again. If you water it in excess, the leaves of the plant will start turning black and begin to fall off. This is how you know that you needn't water it so much. And if the plant's leaves begin to turn yellow, it is an indicator that the soil is extremely dry. So, to be on the safe side, water the soil only till it is moist, and let it dry completely before watering again.
• Pruning: This plant can get quite unruly in appearance. Hence, you can prune it whenever you wish to. Any time of the year is fine as it adapts well and can be given any shape that you desire. Selective pruning works best for maintenance of the shape and the overall health of the plant.
• Re-potting: The plant should be re-potted at least once every year. If this is not done, the roots begin to bunch up into the pot as the plant grows. This could harm the growth of the plant. Hence, re-pot it in a bigger pot every year.
• Propagation: Propagation is mostly done by its leaves. Use leaf cuttings, set up a tropical temperature, use rooting hormones and provide a lot of humidity for the plant's propagation.

Many people wonder if a schefflera plant poisonous? The answer is that while the schefflera arboricola plant (the plant discussed in this article) is not poisonous, the schefflera actinophylla has some level of toxicity when consumed. The former one is the one that you will be keeping indoors, so rest assured that it will not do any harm to your pets or kids, enjoy this gorgeous plant!