How to make Schefflera affine by cuttings? Why doesn't Schefflera affine grow tall?

Schefflera arborvitae, also known as Schefflera arborvitae, is an evergreen shrub. It is also one of the choices of potted plants in many families because it is easy to maintain. Schefflera arborvitae can be kept alive by cuttings, even a single branch can survive as long as the method is correct. So how to do it specifically?

How to make Schefflera grow well by cuttings

The best time for Schefflera cuttings is from April to September, and the temperature should be kept at around 20℃ during the operation.

(1) Prepare sterilized scissors and cut branches that are about one year old as cuttings. The branches should be 6 to 8 cm long. Cut the lower end of the cuttings into a horseshoe shape, retaining three or four leaves on the branches. Be sure to remove the leaves at the lower end to prevent rot, and dry the wounds in the sun for later use.

(2) Prepare the potting soil. Choose some clean river sand or perlite mixed with flower soil as the soil for cuttings. This kind of soil has good drainage and avoids the possibility of water accumulation in the pot. Pad the drain outlet with stones at the bottom of the pot to prevent blockage, spread a thin layer of sand, and fill the pot with soil, but don't fill it too full.

(3) Insert the dried branches into the soil to a depth of 2/3 of the branches and compact the soil.

(4) Water thoroughly to keep the soil moist. If the soil becomes dry, water it immediately. The plant will take root and can be planted in a pot in 4 to 6 weeks.

Why doesn't Schefflera grow tall?

There may be two reasons why Schefflera does not grow tall: the size of the pot limits its growth; or the fertilizer cannot keep up with the total growth needs of Schefflera.

The cultivation of Schefflera requires fertile, slightly acidic sandy soil with loose air permeability and good drainage capacity. It will grow poorly in clay or alkaline soil and be prone to diseases, which will weaken plant growth and reduce resistance in the long term.

It prefers semi-shaded or diffused light environments, is not shade-tolerant, and is not tolerant to summer sun exposure. During the growth period, it should be given a certain amount of light. If it is indoors, it needs to be placed in a bright place. When the temperature is suitable, ventilation should be strengthened to prevent leaf disease and shedding.

Schefflera prefers a warm and humid growing environment, preferably 20~25℃. The wintering temperature should not be lower than 10℃. It can also grow in a high temperature environment of 35℃, but it needs shade and humidification. The humidity of the growing environment should be maintained between 50% and 75%, and it can be slightly lower during the low temperature period in winter. The humidity must be increased in summer or spring, and water must be sprayed or sprinkled on the plants and the growing environment frequently to facilitate growth and health.

Schefflera likes water but is also drought-tolerant. If it is not dry, it does not need to be watered. If it is watered, it must be watered thoroughly. It needs to be watered frequently during the golden growing season from late spring to early autumn to avoid drought or waterlogging. When placed outdoors, it should be drained in time after rain. If the environment is too dark, frequent watering will cause more serious leaf fall, so the number of watering needs to be slightly controlled.

Do you use rooting water for Schefflera cuttings?

Schefflera cuttings are very easy to survive. If conditions permit, the cut branches can be disinfected with carbendazim or potassium permanganate, or they can be left undisinfected. The top and middle sections of the branches can be used. The middle section is semi-lignified and not easy to rot. The branches are cut obliquely.

It doesn't matter whether you soak it in rooting powder or not. The medium should be peat, perlite and vermiculite in a ratio of 1:1:1. After inserting the branches, don't water them too much, because you need to spray them with water every day, then put them in a plastic bag to keep them moist, put them in a place with scattered light, spray water on the leaves every day, and they will grow roots and leaves in 30 days.