Growing Tips for the Schefflera Arboricola
Beautiful shiny leaves that are variegated in colors of green with a splash of yellow although some may have straight green leaves make the Schefflera Arboricola a must-have. In my opinion, this garden beauty is a show stopper and can be installed as a specimen plant or grouped together to form a hedge. The five-star resort I was employed at many years ago had many of these plants growing not only in their gardens but also as a part of the interior design.
I along with some of my then co-workers was given the responsibility to create beautiful designs on the interior with these evergreens. The Schefflera Arboricola can be grown as shrubs or standard plants. I have also installed these plants in many outdoor gardens and what I found so amazing is they can survive on very little water.
This shrub Arboricola began its journey in South China and Taiwan. These evergreens can reach a height of 12-15 ft but there are also varieties that are dwarf that reaches heights of 4-5 ft. Below we will be looking at how to successfully grow these beauties outdoors as well as on the interior.
What you need to know
- Planting Location
- Soil Type
- Watering Methods
- Fertilizing Methods
- Garden insect pest of the Schefflera Arboricola
- Diseases of Schefflera Arboricoal
- Where to install these evergreens
Planting Location
When installing this evergreen shrub outdoors the planting location should provide full sun although they can withstand partial shade.
Soil Type
The soil should have good drainage with a ph that is slightly alkaline to acidic. Adding organic matter will help to condition your soil.
Watering Methods
The soil of the Arboricoal should be moist but not waterlogged, allow the soil to dry out somewhat between watering, and then give this garden beauty another drink.
Fertilizing Methods
Fertilize your Arboricoal when it is actively growing in the spring and summer with a quick-release fertilizer. Before fertilizing yourAarboricoal read and follow the manufacturer’s label because the label is the law.
Garden insect pests of the Schefflera Arboricola
Garden insect pest of these evergreen includes
- Spider Mites
- Scales
- Mealybugs
- Aphids
These garden insect pests can be eliminated with the use of insecticidal soap or horticultural oils. Before applying chemicals read and follow the manufacturer’s label because the label is the law.
Diseases of Schefflera Arboricola
This evergreen does not have any real issues when it comes to disease except to monitor the amount of water they are given because overwatering can cause root rot or if the soil drains poorly, again as we discussed earlier to use soil that has good drainage. When irrigating ensure to water during the morning hours so that the soil can have sufficient time to dry also try to avoid wetting the leaves but if this too is a challenge then watering in the morning will give the leaves time to dry with the warmth of the sun.
Where to install these garden evergreens
Here are a few ideas where Arboricolas can be installed
- Can be used as a stand-alone or specimen plant
- Can be used as a hedge
- Can be planted along driveways
- Dose nicely installed along garden walkways
- Install alongside porches and patios
- Can be planted near fences to soften up that area
- Installed against walls.
- Can be placed in pots and the pots can be placed on the sides of doorway entrances
Container grown schefflera arboricola
Growing Schefflera Arboricola in pots is pretty neat because you have the advantage of moving your plants around to a more secure location from the winter frost and other adverse conditions. When growing from containers the same applies as when growing in your garden area, remember to place the pots in an area that gets full or partial sun. Ensure that the soil drains well and that containers have drain holes to allow access water to drain through.
Indoor schefflera arboricola
Schefflera can also be grown on the inside, follow the steps as with growing in containers but be mindful that if your Arboricola is not placed in the right location the plant will experience leaf drop and I mean lots of it and will become leggy. When installing on the inside Schefflera Arboricola loves plenty of bright indirect light to keep them happy and growing healthy. If they are placed in direct light the leaves will burn.
Watering Methods
When watering allow the soil to dry out before giving your plant another drink of water. Ensure that the pots have drain holes to allow water to drain because if your Arboricola is allowed to sit in water will encourage root rot, also place a saucer under the container to collect this water, and remember to empty the saucer as it fills.
Fertilizing Methods
Applying a liquid feed fertilizer once every 3 months is sufficient. Before applying fertilizer read and follow the manufacturer’s label because the label is the law.
Indoor garden pests
Indoor garden pests include aphids, scales, and mealybugs. The use of neem oil or insecticidal soap will bring these insect pests under control.
Diseases of indoor Schefflera Arboricola
As said earlier when watering indoor Schefflera Arboricola the container should drain holes to allow water to escape which will avoid root rot along with soil that drains well and your plant will be happy.
Pruning Procedures
Pruning can keep your Arboricola growing full and healthy, pruning will also control the growth of your plant. Prune plant parts that are leggy and growing too large, also prune plant parts that are causing your plant to lose its natural form.
Additional Information Warning
Chewing and swallowing the leaves can have an adverse effect so ensure when installing these plants they are out of the reach of children and pets.
The final word
The Schefflera Arboricola is an amazing plant that can be grown outdoors as well as indoors. These garden beauties can really spruce up your garden and interior plantscapes. I have worked with these plants for many years and I love how they perform. Give these evergreen shrubs a try and watch as they go to work for you displaying their beautiful leaves which will give that much-need color.
About the author
Norman loves being in the garden, both at home and for his job....
he is 'Natures Little helper' being outdoors, growing his vegetables and flowers from an early age.
Now having spent over 22 years in the profession he want to give some of his knowledge to others...
his vast array of hints and tips you will find scattered over this site will help you no end growing plants in your garden.