Schefflera
Schefflera - evergreen tree or plant runyste Aralia family. Homeland Scheffler - Australia and New Zealand. Named in honor of the German botanist Scheffler. In nature, there are about 200 species of this genus, some species grow up to four meters high and five feet wide.
In the wild blooms with small green-yellow flowers. Letters Scheffler resembling an open hand or an umbrella. The color of the leaves can be single-colored and spotted.
At room conditions Schefflera can grow up to 2.5 meters in height. Care Sheflera not very complicated. The main thing to include in the bush too hot and dry place.
Important!!! Schefflera contains substances irritate the skin and mucous membranes. Be careful when handling this plant.
Popular varieties
Schefflera arboricola or Schefflera tree - one of the most popular in the culture room that is 2 meters in height. Beautiful leaves with 7-16 slices, monochrome green or white, yellow or cream spots. Barrel eventually becomes light brown and exposed.
Schefflera actinophylla - a feature of it is that the young plants grow leaves with three discs and the adult - with 5-7 records. In the indoor environment can grow up to 2.5 meters in height.
Schefflera digitata or Aralia schefflera - low-bred varieties with leaves, numbering 7-10 plates. Looks spectacular variegated forms.
Plant care
Lighting. Sheflera feels good on the windowsill west or east window. With a lack of light leaves Scheffler can potmyanity, especially variegated varieties. If the plant is on the south window in the afternoon while it should pritenyat. Winter Sheflera recommended to place in the most lit area.
Temperature. Scheffler can not be kept in a hot room. If annual temperature in the room rises above 23 °C, with a plant pot to make better ventilated balcony or veranda. The optimum temperature for it at this time - 18-22 °C. Winter Sheflera feels good at a temperature of 15-18 °C. At temperatures below 14 °C the plant can get sick.
Humidity. For being Sheflera important to maintain high humidity. In the room with dry air in the hot season plant must be sprayed at least every other day. To increase the humidity at the recommended pot with a plant to place a container of water or damp moss.
In winter, when the plant is in a cool room, the humidity can be reduced.
Irrigation. Sheflera should be watered when the top soil layer (0.5-1 cm) dries. The plant does not tolerate overflow. Tap water should stand for at least a day.
Feeding. From April to September Sheflera fed half dose of fertilizer, alternating with organic fertilizers. Frequency of feeding at this time - 1 time in 2 weeks. In winter, the plant is not fed.
Transplantation. Young Sheflera transplanted in spring, 1 time for 2 years. At the bottom of the pot necessarily need to put drainage of brick chips (red brick) or expanded clay. The soil can be used for direct purchase "for trees". Adult plants are transplanted every 3 years. Pot are 3-5 cm wider than the previous one.
Pruning. Sheflera circumcision is not required. For a more decorative pot in the transplant can be planted 2-3 plants.
Bloom. In bloom indoors Sheflera a very rare case.
Reproduction. Propagated by cuttings, layering and seeds. But simply buy a new plant, what to do multiplication.
Diseases and pests. You may wonder Quadraspidiotus perniciosus, thrips and red spider mites. Parasites clean sponge dipped in soapy water.
At very high temperature Schefflera may lose leaves. In waterlogged soil can rot the root system. In very dry air, land of leaves may become brown, also increases the risk of spider mites.
Scheffler winter. Do not place plants near heaters and over. Do not pour Scheffler especially dangerous flow of air at low temperature.
Winter optimally place the plant on the south windowsill in a cool room.