Schefflera

Family Araliaceae. Native to East Asia — China, Japan, Vietnam. This tropical plant comprises about 150 species in the wild. They are all very similar and represent small trees or shrubs with graceful palmately compound leaves on long petioles, composed of several leaflets (from 5 to 20).

Шефлера древовидная - schefflera arboricola - shown in the photograph - a strongly branched plant; leaflets can number from 7 to 16, and variegated forms are common.

Шефлера восьмилисточковая или лучелистная - schefflera octophylla - a low shrub with alternate, sessile leaflets borne on long petioles. Leaves are palmately compound, of 5-16 elliptical lobes (the older the plant, the more leaflets), about 10 cm long. Inflorescence a panicle of small white flowers.

Шефлера пальчатая - schefflera digitata - notable for its small, compact size. The leaf typically consists of 7-10 lobes.

Шефлера изящнейшая - schefflera elegantissima - has olive-green leaves with toothed margins.

Temperature: Grows well in cool rooms at 13-14°C, preferably not above 20°C; winter minimum 12°C. Шефлера изящнейшая prefers a warm (around 18°C) room year-round.

Lighting: Bright, diffused light; protection from direct sunlight is essential. Tolerates light shade; in winter requires good illumination.

Watering: Should be regular — abundant in spring and summer, moderate and cautious in winter. The soil should not dry out or be excessively wet, as schefflera is very sensitive to overwatering.

Fertilizer applications during the active growth period from April to August — weekly, with a liquid fertilizer for houseplants.

Humidity: Frequent misting — likes humid air. Because of its large size it can be difficult to put the schefflera under a shower, so periodically wash the leaves in a basin.

Repotting: Every two years in spring. Soil — 2 parts light garden soil, 1 part leaf mould, 1 part peat, 1 part humus and 1 part sand.

Propagation: By seeds and by semi-ripe (partially woody) cuttings.