How to Take Cuttings From a Schefflera Plant
Whether you are taking a cutting from Brassaia actinophylla, Schefflera arboricola or Tupidanthus calyptratus, all scheffleras are pruned the same way. The only difference will be the size of the branch you will be cutting off. Branches of Brassaia actinophylla, also known as an umbrella tree, are larger than the smaller-branched Schefflera arboricola. Scheffleras are among the easiest plants to take cuttings from and have success in rooting. It will not take long before your cutting has rooted and you plant it in a container or outside in the garden.
Disinfect and sharpen your pruning tools before you cut the schefflera. Clean the shears in a solution of bleach and water mixed at a ratio of 50 percent each. This will kill any disease that may be present on them. Sharpen your pruning blades, so the cut will be clean and not ragged.
- Whether you are taking a cutting from Brassaia actinophylla, Schefflera arboricola or Tupidanthus calyptratus, all scheffleras are pruned the same way.
Choose a branch to make your cut that is green wood and has not turned to thick, brown and woody. Green branches are easier to cut through and they will root quicker. Select a branch in an area of the plant where you desire the schefflera to branch out.
Cut a branch that is approximately 7 to 30 inches long. The bigger the variety of schefflera you are cutting, the larger the branch you can use to root.
Cut the branch right above a leaf eye. Several new branches will develop there and the cutting will grow roots from the leaf eye section on its bottom.
- Choose a branch to make your cut that is green wood and has not turned to thick, brown and woody.
- Several new branches will develop there and the cutting will grow roots from the leaf eye section on its bottom.
Select an appropriate-sized container according to the schefflera variety. Use a 3-gallon container for the larger Brassaia actinophylla and a 1-gallon container for the other varieties.
Fill the container with a potting mix containing organic matter and drains well. Select a potting mix that is lightweight and not heavy.
Strip the cutting of all its leaves except the last several sets. Dip the end of the s schefflera into a rooting hormone and shake off the excess. Stick the end of the cutting into the potting mix, being sure to cover up at least one to two leaf eyes. Pat the soil down firmly around the cutting.
- Select an appropriate-sized container according to the schefflera variety.
- Stick the end of the cutting into the potting mix, being sure to cover up at least one to two leaf eyes.
Water the cutting well. Water the cutting regularly, keeping the soil moist but not soggy. Place the container in an area that is warm and receives some indirect light throughout the day. The schefflera will develop roots within several weeks. Transplant into a larger container or outside, once the cutting has fully developed in its container.
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Writer Bio
For over 25 years, Joyce Starr has owned businesses dealing with landscape & design, lawn maintenance, specialty herbs and a garden center. She holds certificates in landscape design and xeriscaping. Starr shares her passion for nature in her writing, publishing articles on horticulture, outdoor recreation, travel as well as business.
