Sheflera flower description. How to grow a sheffler plant at home. Sheffler crown formation

They are so similar, but so different ... You can read for a long time, but it is better to see the differences in the photographs.

Varietal characteristics

More than 200 plant species belong to the Schefflera genus, all of them belong to the Araliaceae family and grow in hot tropical forests. Schefflera looks like small trees or shrubs, with very elegant foliage. Each of its leaves is shaped like a palm with spread fingers, there can be from 4 to 12 such “fingers” in one sheet. The plant is sometimes called an umbrella tree for its resemblance to an open umbrella. She is kept in the room because of the elegant foliage, flowering in captivity is a rare miracle.

Kinds

1. The most famous representative is Schefflera digitata (Schefflera digitata), her homeland is New Zealand, she is an endemic plant.
   

   Endemics are those plants that grow only in a certain place on the globe.

   In tropical forests, it reaches a height of 8 meters. Its leaf is divided into seven parts that resemble fingers. The leaf plates are soft and thin, the edge is pointed. The flower resembles a branched panicle; large flowers can reach 40 cm in diameter. When the flower fades, a purple fruit will appear in its place, which is eaten with great pleasure by birds and insects. The life of this variety has long been under threat, the locals are happy to sell this plant to tourists, thereby disrupting its numbers.

2. Schefflera Star-leaved, Radiant (Schefflera actinophylla), it is also often called the "green star". It is an evergreen tree, reaching a height of 10 - 15 meters, from one or more trunks. This species is characterized by elegant toothed leaves from 30 to 60 cm in length. One leaf consists of 7 to 16 toothed leaves. It blooms with small flowers, united in inflorescences, after their withering, a purple fruit appears, suitable for writing to birds and insects. Sheffler Starleaf (starleaf) can be grown from seed in a greenhouse.
   
3. Schefflera Octophylla (Schefflera octophylla), it is a species native to the subtropical forests of India, Japan and China. In nature, it is a shrub or tree, which can reach a height of 2 meters. Its young leaves are covered with light needles, which disappear with age. Each leaf is divided into eight not large oval plates.
   
4. Schefflera arboricola (Schefflera arboricola) - the most numerous species and the most popular in indoor floriculture. You can find the name Scheffler Arborikola from the Latin name of the plant. In its natural habitat, it grows in the form of a small shrub, but it can grow as a small liana. This species only grows up to 3 meters in height.
   At home, most often you can find exactly the Tree Sheffler, the care of which is quite simple, therefore it is considered an unpretentious decorative deciduous plant. A popular flower for landscaping and home interiors. Reproduction of the Tree Sheffler is easiest to carry out by cuttings or air layers. Cuttings are best obtained in the warm season from a vein until autumn, during the period of active growth and development of the plant. A young shoot is cut off and placed in water, you should choose a bright place where your pet will give roots. After two weeks, when the roots appear, the shoot can be planted in a prepared pot for further development. Caring for a tree representative at home can be considered basic. However, you need to follow simple rules in order to grow a wonderful "creature". The tree belongs to light-loving palms, but open sunlight can burn the leaves. You need to find a bright place near the window; you should immediately abandon the window sill on the south side. In summer, the bright sun “rages” on the southern window. For a plant, constant soil moisture is favorable, you need to keep the "golden mean", stagnant water at the roots will lead to their decay and death of the trunk and root system. The optimal temperature regime is considered from +15 to +20 degrees all year round. Top dressing should be carried out as planned from spring to autumn, during a period of active growth. Fertilizers are suitable for any "decorative leafy plants". As for the transplant, young plants can be subjected to this procedure annually, increasing the new pot by 1-2 cm, but an adult, strengthened tree is enough once every 2-3 years, changing the flowerpot for Shefflera and updating its filler. Land can be purchased at any flower shop suitable for palm trees or house flowers.
5. There are now many varieties classified as Schefflera Variegated, developed specifically for landscape design and apartment decor. one of the most favorite forms of this species among gourmet florists. This palm is native to South Asia. It goes well with other home colors, creating beautiful interior ensembles. Its main advantage is glossy fleshy leaves resembling fingers spaced in different directions. Whatever the care, at home Scheffler's Gold Capella blooms extremely rarely or does not bloom at all. The Golden Chapel grows well and develops in places with diffused light. In the dark corners of the apartment, elegant motley foliage takes on a monotonous green color. When kept in dark rooms, artificial lighting should be provided.
   
6. not picky about home care. She prefers diffused lighting. When grown indoors (at home), it reaches a height of 50 cm to 2.5 m, while much depends on the conditions of detention. A moderate moisture content of the substrate is suitable, without stagnant water and drying out of the earthy coma. The foliage color is variegated: from white-green to yellow-green.
7. No less elegant variety Scheffler - Amate... It attracts the attention of flower growers with shiny waxy leaves and resistance to pests of indoor plants (thrips, scale insects, spider mites). The Amate variety is not picky about light, can be in considerable shade and is suitable for apartments, offices with windows to the north.
   
8. One of the most graceful representatives of the home species is Louisiana, its decorative openwork leaves do not leave indifferent even the most beloved gourmet florists. Leaves are leathery shiny, can be variegated with splashes of yellow or white. The presence of spots is due to the sunnier side of keeping the flower at home. In care not demanding, you need to adhere to general tips for keeping this type of indoor plants.
   
9. (there are many variations of the name, such as Janine, Jannie or Janine) has all the known advantages in general of the whole look and unpretentiousness in home care. It is popular for its ornate variegated foliage. The light green leaf is diluted in a chaotic manner with dark blotches and stains. Gianni tolerates partial shade or shade well, while not losing its variegated leaf color.
   
10. Variety Sheffler Charlotte bred not so long ago, but has already gained popularity among landscape designers. The outer part of the leaves is light in color, a dark green edge is visible along the edges, but on the back of the leaf the color is more saturated and dark. In general, they resemble an open socket. It is used as a decorative leafy plant for landscaping residential and office premises. In care, he prefers everything that is characteristic of all types of these palms.
    
11. Green Star (Green Gold) is one of the recently developed varieties, its distinctive feature is the fleshy dark green leaves that attract close attention. Prefers high humidity and practically does not bush. If your interior lacks a rich green color, you can try to grow Sheffler Green Star from seeds by purchasing them at a flower shop. Planting in the ground is best done in spring (late February - early March, April) during the period of active growth and development of all home flowers. The seeds are placed in a damp substrate, the top of the pot can be covered with a film, but when the plant hatches, the film should be removed. The container with sprouts must be placed in a bright place, but not in the sun, otherwise the delicate foliage can get sunburn and die.
12. Schefflera Nova (or Nora) attracts flower growers with its elegant foliage and unpretentious care at home. It has very long, narrow, dark green leaves, not evenly toothed at the edges. The color of the leaves is light olive with splashes of yellow. All year round it will delight you with its lush crown.
    
13. , another beautiful tree-like Scheffler species. It differs from other varieties in the small variegation of its leaves and an elegant crown.
    
14. Among the many varieties bred, it should be noted separately Sheffler Bianca... She has shorter leaves compared to other varieties: about 8 cm in length. Each leaf has a white border around the edge and beige tones at its base. Due to the contrasts of colors, light and dark, the serrations along the edges of the leaves are less prominent.
    It is worth noting that caring for Shefflera Bianca is the same as for the parent of the species. At home, you should organize abundant watering, with drying the topsoil, applying complex fertilizers every 2 weeks from May to August and set the temperature regime in the summer season within 22 ° C, and in the winter about 18 ° C.
15. among flower growers it is famous for its decorative dimensions, it is perfect for small apartments and premises. If you have little room for a large palm tree, then you can safely opt for this type of shrub.
    
16. In a flower shop, you can often find plants on which Schefflera Mix is \u200b\u200bwritten, a novice florist necessarily asks the question “how to take care of this variety at home”. In the pot with the inscription Mix, you can safely meet any representative of this genus. As for care, here you need to adhere to the basic rules for growing this species in residential (or non-residential) premises.

Care

Almost all Scheffler species need the same conditions of detention, with the exception of the differences described in this article. General recommendations for care, breeding methods and other interesting facts can be read in the appropriate

Description of the plant, some varieties, caring for the shefflera in an apartment or office, advice on reproduction and transplantation, pest and disease control.

The content of the article:

Schefflera - the plant belongs to the Araliaceae family, which includes up to 200 representatives. Under natural conditions, shefflera most often grows in the countries of Southeast Asia, the Pacific Islands, but also occurs in many countries in the tropical zones of the globe. It bears its name in honor of the 18th century German botanist Jacob Christian Scheffler. Sometimes its second name is "umbrella tree" because of the unusually dissected leaf plates, which, like the object of the same name, are held on a straight petiole and come out from one point.

Schefflera can take a wide variety of forms in nature: a tree, a shrub, a climbing plant. If the shefflera is a tree-like representative, then in apartment conditions it can reach 2 m, which is incomparable with its natural size - up to 20–40 m. Shefflera leaves are distinguished by their great originality - the appearance of an open palm. With age, the leaves of the plant become more intricate and interesting and never lose their color depending on the change of season. "Umbrellas" of young plants can have up to 8 leaves, and already mature shefflers include up to 16 pieces in such rosettes. The sheet itself can be cut into pieces.

In the conditions of the Scheffler's apartment, it almost does not bloom, but in nature its panicle inflorescences or in the form of a brush produce small bottle-yellow flowers. But the color of the petals can vary greatly in the natural environment from white to rich wine shade. It is possible to look at the flowering of shefflers and even its fruits only in the conditions of specially equipped greenhouses.

Of the many representatives of this family, only a few varieties differ in decorative leaves, and they are bred indoors.

Types of shefflers for home breeding

(Schefflera actinophylla). The most favorite variety among flower growers. Native Australian territory. It is sometimes called star-leaved. It can reach up to 12 m in height in natural conditions. The plant has a tree-like shape and has a powerful trunk, which is distinguished by a wide base of a dusty brown hue. The leaf stalks are long enough and are bottle-red in color. Each leaf plate is divided into 14-16 parts of an oval-elongated shape with a pointed apex. The half can reach up to 12 cm in length. The color of the leaves is intensely malachite, with a glossy surface. There is a variety that is decorated with mustard-colored leaves - Green Gold. And the Nova variety is distinguished by a yellow-olive sheen of leaves and teeth at the edges. The flowers of this shefflera are deep yellow or scarlet in color, collected in a cluster inflorescence.

Scheffler's eight-leafed (Schefflera octophylla). It is sometimes called the "octopus tree" for its leaf structure. The very long petioles are milky and hang down strongly. The petioles have up to 12 leaves. Their shape is elongated along the entire length (up to 40 cm) and sharpens towards the top, the base is rounded. The leaves are rough to the touch, glossy. When young, they have a bottle-yellow tint, and with further growth they become richly malachite, and the veins on the leaf are clearly visible due to the difference in shades. The reverse side of the leaf plate is of a dull, dull yellow-green hue. The color of the buds is bottle-yellow, in opening, usually 5 petals are interspersed with stamens on long legs.

Schefflera tree (Schefflera arboricola). The homeland is the Australian and New Guinean territories. It is a low curly shape with a straight-growing trunk with multiple stems and root processes. Young shoots have a grassy color, and over time they darken and turn brown. The dark emerald leaves are divided up to 16 parts, have an elliptical shape with a sharpness at the base and a rounded top. This species has a complex unpaired feathering. Petioles are light yellow, not long. Flowering occurs with a panicle-carpal inflorescence, in which yellowish-green flowers are collected. There are also varieties that differ in the decorative coloring of the leaves:

• Gold Capella - has palm-shaped leaf plates on which yellow markings are randomly scattered;
• Amate is a bright malachite-colored leaf, a cultivar that shows remarkable resistance to harmful insects and can grow in the shade.

Schefflera finger (Schefflera digitata). Native habitat of New Zealand localities. They are shaped like a tree reaching 8 meters in height. The leaf plates are palm-shaped, separated by up to 10 parts, with a length of up to 35 cm. The parts have an oval-elongated shape with a sharpness at both edges, up to 6 cm wide. The leaves are thin, similar to a parchment plate, glossy. Young leaves have feathering along the edges, which eventually becomes rare teeth. Petiole in the form of a long tube, about 20 cm. Flowering occurs on umbellate inflorescences, collected from 4-8 miniature flowers, which are only 6 mm in diameter. There are varieties of this variety that never throw off their leaf mass and are distinguished by the variegated coloring of the leaves.

Schefflera's most graceful (Schefflera elegantissima). A plant with a highly decorative leaf mass. There are very few stems. The trunk is distinguished by a dusty brown tint and a graceful shape. Each petiole grows up to 12 leaves of a complex shape. They have an elongated, very elongated outline with a jagged edge. A plant in home keeping can reach 2 m in height.

Scheffler Veitch (Schefflera veitchii). The leaf plate is distinguished by an oval-elongated shape, the edges of which have a wavy appearance. The color of the leaves of young plants will change from reddish to rich emerald with age.

Sheffler varieties are very popular, which are distinguished by mosaic coloring of leaf plates in various shades of yellow and green. Since young plants have good stem flexibility, they can be bonsai-style or intertwined. The crown is also formed at your own discretion by regular pruning.

Shefflera care at home

• Required lighting. Schefflera loves bright light, but it needs good enough, without scorching rays. If the plant is not protected from direct sunlight for a long time, then burns may occur on the leaves. Windows are suitable, where not the scorching rays of dawn or sunset fall. Only if the leaves of the shefflera have a bright malachite color, then shady northern windows can suit them. But in the months when daylight hours become short, the sheffler can be placed on the south window or supplemented with special lamps, this will be especially required if the temperature is above 18 degrees. As the air temperature rises, the sheffler is taken to an open place, but they choose the one where the sun's rays do not fall at lunchtime.
• Growing temperature. Schefflera prefers moderate temperatures, in the spring-summer period the indicators should not exceed 20 degrees, in the autumn-winter period - to fall below 12. The most preferable temperature decrease is at night. But for plants with spotted leaves, indicators in winter should not decrease less than 18 degrees. Schefflera does not tolerate elevated temperatures very well, and if you still put it next to batteries, then leaves may drop.
• Air humidity. A high moisture content in the air is very important for the sheffler, especially if the plant hibernates at high temperatures. Schefflera loves frequent spraying. To do this, take warm, settled water, you can boiled, rain or thawed. If this is not enough, then the pot with the plant can be put in a deep container, pour small pebbles or expanded clay into it and pour water. The height of the water should be such that the sheffler roots do not touch it. Sometimes moss or peat is placed on the bottom of the expanded clay.
• Watering shefflers. The sheffler should be watered sparingly, only when the topsoil in the pot dries out. Watering restrictions are necessary with a decrease in temperature indicators. In any case, waterlogging of the soil is fatal for shefflers, which can lead to rotting of the root system. Water for irrigation is soft, which can be either settled for at least two days or collected rain or melt water. The water temperature is made slightly warmer than room temperature, so that the earth is approximately the same temperature as the air.
• Top dressing shefflers. When the Schefflera starts to grow rapidly, and this begins with the arrival of spring, then they begin to apply dressings, which include complexes of minerals - universal additives for indoor plants. The frequency of top dressing is one for two weeks. Fertilizers are not used in winter. Spraying the leaf mass with bioregulators is recommended monthly. Fertilizers begin to feed the sheffler after transplantation, only after the appearance of young leaves.
• Transplant and soil selection. If the plant is young, then the transplant procedure must be performed annually. In adulthood, the sheffler is transplanted only when necessary, once every few years. They try to choose a new pot much larger than the previous one, since the sheffler is very overgrown with roots. At the bottom of the pot, it is necessary to make high-quality drainage and pour at least a quarter of the volume of small expanded clay, finely broken broken shards or bricks. The acidity of the new substrate should be low (not exceeding pH 6). The soil should be light, sometimes for shefflers they choose ready-made soil for palm trees. But if you compose it yourself, then you need 2 parts of the raised land, and one part of humus and sand. Also, to increase the nutritional value of the soil, one part of the leafy earth is added to it.
• Pruning shefflers. To increase the decorativeness of the plant, it is customary to plant several plants in one pot. To achieve the shape of a sheffler tree, you can regularly trim the crown. But if you cut the plant too much, then it will begin to shed its leaves.

Breeding shefflers

There are several breeding methods for this beautiful plant:

• cuttings;
• air layering;
• seed material.

Almost lignified shoots are suitable for choosing cuttings. For successful rooting, it is better to dip them in a rooting stimulator before planting, and then place them in a substrate based on sand and peat soil, taken in equal parts. The ground heating temperature should be at least 24 degrees, but it is not advisable to use a heating battery for this. The container with cuttings must be covered with a plastic bag, but at the same time periodically spray and air the seedlings. Lighting should be soft and free of direct rays. As soon as the cuttings start up the roots, the temperature is lowered to 18 degrees. As soon as the root system of the cuttings is sufficiently developed and masters all the soil, you can transplant it into a separate pot with a diameter of up to 9 cm. The place for the pot can be chosen with more intense lighting and the temperature indicators can be lowered to 14-16 degrees.

If the shefflera has reached a large size, then it is possible to propagate it with aerial shoots. With this procedure, at the beginning of the spring months, the shefflers make a small incision on the trunk, and this place is swaddled with moistened sphagnum moss, which is saturated with stimulating nutrient solutions (for example, taking 1 g of complex fertilizer and diluting it in 1 liter of water). As soon as the moss begins to dry, it is again impregnated with the solution. After a couple of months, root processes will begin to form at the site of the operation. After another two months, the leafy crown with root formations is removed, below the roots and placed in another pot with prepared substrate, as for young plants. The old tree is cut almost to the ground, covered with damp moss and continued to moisten. With such actions, there is a possibility that the remnants of the shefflers will give additional shoots.

Shefflers begin to reproduce by seeds at the end of winter. For sowing seed material, they take the same soil as for cuttings, but sometimes you can make up another light soil mixture based on the apical soil, rotted leaves and sand, taken in equal parts. The soil is disinfected before planting seeds, for example, in an oven at a high temperature. Before planting, the seeds can be soaked briefly in a solution of water, epin or zircon. Seeds are sown at a distance equal to the length of two seeds, the ground is sprayed and the conditions of a mini-greenhouse are arranged. The container with seeds can be covered with a piece of glass or wrapped in a plastic bag. Constant heating of the substrate up to 24 degrees is required. The container is subjected to constant ventilation and the soil is sprayed.

When shoots appear with the first 2-3 leaves, they can be planted in plastic cups and the temperature for them is already lowered to 18 degrees. When the root system of the seedlings has completely mastered the soil, it is necessary to change the pot to a container with a diameter of at least 9 cm and further reduce the temperature to 14 degrees. Young shefflers grow very rapidly, and by the autumn months it will be necessary to increase the pot by 3-5 cm.

Fight against harmful insects and sheffler diseases

Shefflera leaves can fall off for many reasons - the plant stood for a long time under the scorching sun or there was a draft in the winter months, the earthen ball was too wet, and the root system began to rot.

If whitish spots appear on the leaf plates, the sheffler must be removed from bright lighting. The leaves lost their rich color and the shoots began to stretch out very much - there is not enough lighting for the sheffler. If the air humidity is low, the edges of the sheet plates dry out. The appearance of brown spots on the leaves indicates very dry air and drying out of the earthy coma.

About caring for a shefflera at home, see this video:

The Scheffler plant is named after the German botanist Scheffler and belongs to the Araliev family. Ginseng and ivy are also members of this family. Schefflera plant of the tropics and subtropics, at home it is considered quite aggressive, crowding out other cultures. But the chefler's flower is very beautiful.

Here it has become a popular houseplant and is recognized by its finger-like leaves.

There can be from 5 to 18 of them.

The leaf plate itself, depending on the type, can be narrow, rounded, serrated and wavy.

Observed a wide variety of shapes, which are united under one name. There are several hundred types of it.

Types of chefs

Sheffler Mix, that is, a mixture, is popular with novice florists.

These are the most unpretentious varieties that are readily bought.

For example, trees with gracefully intertwined trunks are the Shefflera Compact intertwined. Small in size remain favorites houseplants such as the shefflera Moonrop (Mundrop).

Schefflera tree-like, or woody

Schefflera arboreal at home in Taiwan grows like an evergreen bush, up to 4 meters high. The leaves have 7 to 9 plates. It differs in unpretentiousness and beauty of variegated varieties of this kind.

The woody sheffler is also grown as a bonsai.

Such a miniature form as Caster looks good. If you have little space, but you want to have this particular plant, then the Caster variety is your option. Small in size, 20-30 cm, it will decorate any interior: home or office.

One of the undersized varieties is also Melanie Schefflera, a graceful variety with small leaves. She does not grow more than half a meter.

And Gold Capella, one of the tree varieties, is distinguished by its leaves: bright golden strokes and spots on a dark green background.

On the basis of sheffler woody, not so long ago, the Scheffler Charlotte variety was also bred with bright green leaves with white spots, leathery and shiny - a favorite of landscape designers.

Schefflera radiant

Schefflera radiant (or star-leaved) grows in its homeland in Australia as an epiphyte, that is, on trees. It has many aerial roots. In nature, its height is about 12 meters, and the leaf plate can reach 60 cm.

As a houseplant, the plant grows 60-80 cm, further growth slows down. Radiant varieties are very decorative. Its leaves can be olive, light green, and have a fine-toothed shape.

Scheffler's eight-leafed

Schefflera eight-leaf is known in Asia. There it grows like a bush or tree, height - 2-16 meters. The leaves, as the name suggests, are topped with a rosette of 8 plates. They are very pretty, leathery and glossy.

They come in different shapes, depending on the variety: from oval to ellipse, 7-15 cm in length. Sometimes it is called - eight-leafed.

Grows in Australia and New Zealand. In nature, it reaches 2 meters and is distinguished by a lush green mass with a small number of stems. In indoor conditions, it is much smaller than other species; in adulthood it has a height of 50 cm.

This elegant species has interestingly shaped leaves: from elongated to oval, jagged along the edge. Some varieties have beige edging.

Known for its reddish tinge of leaves at a young age. Over time, the leaf changes its color to normal. The shape of the leaf in this species is very unusual: a wavy leaf plate, jagged along the edge, a real decoration of a home or office.

Veitch is a rather rare species, and due to its decorativeness it does not stay in flower shops.

Schefflera finger

Schefflera palmate in its homeland, in New Zealand, grows more than 3 meters in height, as a houseplant - 60-70 cm. The leaves are dissected, like all types of sheffler. Depending on the variety, it has from 7 to 14 leaf plates, slightly wavy.

The edge of an interesting shape: from feathery - in youth, to jagged - in adulthood. This species includes the most shade-tolerant of them - Sheffler Amate.

His homeland is the forests of Western China. Height in nature is 2-3 meters. The leaves are very beautiful, the plate resembles an oak leaf. As a houseplant, it is rather squat, about half a meter. Prefers slight shading, otherwise this species is grown in the same way as others.

Care

Taking care of this plant is very simple. Conditions are created that are similar to those that were in natural nature at home. First, choose the bright side, and secondly, protect from drafts and spray daily... The temperature should not be too high, 30 degrees is the limit.

Caution! Schefflera is a poisonous plant. Its leaves, stems and roots contain toxic substances in small doses.

Lighting

The plant follows protect from direct sunlight in summer, otherwise burns in the form of yellow spots occur.

And at the same time, the north window is contraindicated.

Best option: southeast or southwest.

When the sun is very strong, you need to move the pot deeper into the room.

In winter, the southern window is the best option.

Advice: Sheffler loves the sun, so the north window is not an acceptable option for her. But it must be protected from direct sunlight.

Temperature

Temperature control is very important for shefflers. The most comfortable for her will be 15-20 o, in winter you need to make sure that the temperature did not drop below 12 degrees, the limit is 10 p. Otherwise, the roots begin to rot.

You won't notice this right away, but over time, the process will spread to the ground part of the plant. When rotting, the stem becomes soft, the leaves may turn black.

Watering

Watering should be moderate. The soil should not be too damp, but only moist. Water temperature and quality are important. It is better if the container with water will settle next to the pot.

Caution! Watering with cold water promotes root rot.

Fertilizer

The plant is fertilized from March-April to October-November, that is, during the period of active growth. In winter, the plant needs to rest. It is best not to reinvent the wheel, but to feed it with mineral fertilizer 2 times a month or once every two weeks.

Transfer

Transplanted to the sheffler as the container is filled with roots.

You can find out by taking out a wetted clod of earth with roots.

There is another option: watch an adult plant, when the roots are entwined with a ball, the earth dries out faster than usual.

You need to transplant into a large pot. Moisten the soil a little, transplant, being careful not to damage the roots, then fill up the soil. When transplanting, you can use Kornevin.

Sheflera in winter

Shefflera should rest in winter... So that she does not stretch, create a comfortable environment for her. Temperature 14-16 degrees, moderate watering, fairly bright lighting and no additional fertilizing.

Attention! Despite the fact that she loves spraying, it is enough to spray the plant 1-2 times a week in winter.

Reproduction

Sheffler is propagated mainly in the spring, in March-April. It is undesirable to propagate it in summer, when it is too hot and in winter, when there is not enough heat and light. There are several types of breeding:

1. 1. For propagation by cuttings, you need to cut off semi-lignified shoots. Then cut them so that each has 2 sheets. Cut them in half, dip the cutting in Kornevin and plant in slightly damp ground. Cover with a bag until roots appear, ventilate 2 times a day.

1. Since the sheffler does not bloom at home, seeds are bought in specialized stores... Planted in a 1: 1 mixture of earth and sand, moistened and covered with a lid or bag. For germination, seeds need a temperature of about 25 o. When the second leaf appears, the plant can be transplanted into cups.
2. Reproduction in this way is based on the possibility of the formation of aerial roots. Choose any shoot and make an incision... The bark is slightly removed and wrapped with moistened moss, and then polyethylene is fixed on top. The result is a comfortable environment for the formation of new roots.

More details on how to propagate the sheffler by cuttings can be found here:

Diseases and pests

Schefflera can turn yellow for various reasons. If pests (mites, aphids, thrips) attack it, then you need to isolate the plant and wash it thoroughly in the shower. Wipe the leaves with a cotton swab and soap. This will have a temporary effect. For fixing, you can spray with Aktellik according to the instructions.

Sheffler leaves can be shed for several reasons:

• in winter, when there is very little light;
• when it is very hot, above 30 o;
• with rotting roots.

If the first options are not suitable, then we are talking about rotten roots. Take out the plant, examine the roots, cut off the rotten ones, sprinkle with a lot of crushed coal.

Schefflera begins to turn black, she has dark spots on the leaves, which means that you did not just flood her, but at a low temperature.

It is enough to keep the sheffler in the cold for a day or two and she begins to die slowly.

An urgent help may be to dry the roots by removing the plant from the pot.

You can sprinkle with charcoal, which will absorb the excess moisture a little.

Caution! Scheffler doesn't like drafts!

Sheflera - signs

Signs and superstitions are associated with the shefflera. For example, she is considered almost a vampire. Indeed, in nature, other plants do not get along with it, it is very aggressive.

The darkening on the leaves is attributed to someone's negative energy. It is enough to check the conditions of detention and the condition of the roots to make sure that this is not the case. After all, even according to Feng Shui, it is recommended to put the plant in the southern part of the office.

Schefflera attracts clients to the office... Let this omen be true. After all, the beauty of a plant, for example, such a variegated species as Arboricola with its tints from pearl to yellow, cannot but attract attention.

Shefler's flower is considered a home decoration. The genus of an exotic plant has more than 500 species, but not all species take root in our country. Origin from the tropics of Australia, Asia and the Pacific Ocean. With proper care, cultivation at home is possible.

The humidity of the air where Scheffler grows should be increased... In indoor conditions, the plant needs daily spraying with clean water, especially in the summer.

If dust appears on the leaves, they need to be wiped with a damp cloth or bathed in the shower.

During winter dormancy, the plant is best placed on a pallet with expanded clay, so that it is constantly wet.
Watering is carried out as the soil dries up... But do not overmoisten the soil too much, otherwise the roots will rot. But the soil should not be allowed to dry out either.

It is best to irrigate with warm water, with a temperature slightly above room temperature, 2-3 times a week. In winter, watering should be reduced to 1 time per week.

Temperature and lighting at home

Since Sheflera is light-loving, she is placed on a well-lit windowsill, avoiding direct sunlight, using a curtain or newspaper.

If there is little lighting in the house or in the room, you should not grow varieties with variegated leaves there.

Due to lack of light the leaves will acquire a solid color. In the summer he likes to be outdoors. It can be taken out to the balcony, in the garden, while creating partial shade, hidden from winds and drafts.

The temperature is able to withstand the usual in the summer, like other plants. In winter, 15-20 degrees is optimal. But do not allow a drop below 12 degrees.

Soil and fertilizing

Sheflera actively grows only in fertile soils. You can buy store-bought soil for palm trees, or you can prepare the most fertile mixture from:

• humus;
• turf;
• leafy land;
• sand.

At the bottom of the pot must be done drainage layer of pebbles or expanded clay... The soil itself should be light and loose so that air can pass through.

Fertilizing the soil in which Sheflera grows is necessary every week, starting in early spring.

Fertilizers must be applied complex mineral and organic, constantly alternating. In winter, the plant does not require feeding.

What changes in flower care in winter

As with other indoor plants, Sheflera should be provided with optimal care in the winter. Consider what it consists of and how to care:

1. It is necessary to provide more illuminated place... If there is not enough light, additional lighting should be made using lamps.
2. The optimal temperature will be 15 degrees, you can not allow a decrease below 12.
3. It is not advised to put a houseplant next to heating pipes, it loves high humidity.
4. If the temperature in winter is more than 20 degrees, it is worth spraying it regularly.
5. Watering should be significantly reduced.
6. It is not recommended to feed the soil.
7. Transplanting an indoor flower during the winter dormancy is not allowed

How to properly cut and shape the crown

An important step in caring for indoor flowers is pruning. In order to get a lush plant, form a beautiful crown, Shefler need to be constantly trimmed... If you cut off the top, then the plant will release side shoots and become lush. And the top can be rooted in a glass of water and planted as a separate new plant.

It is allowed to cut for formation, at the discretion of each grower, and lateral shoots and lower.

If new young shoots are to be obtained, the entire plant should be pruned.

Why does not it grow (possible reasons)

In indoor flowers, the growth rate may slow down, leaves curl or fall off, spotting appears on them. There are reasons for this:

1. If the chefs leaves fall, the reason may be the wrong room temperature.
2. Foliage may fall off due to lack of lighting. Especially in variegated species.
3. Blacken the foliage and dry tips can with insufficient watering and low humidity.
4. If the leaves darken at the tips and fall off, excess moisture is possible. It is necessary to transplant the plant into another planter before the roots rot.
5. The soil is not fed, it can cause a slowdown in growth and fall of foliage in a plant.
6. A tight pot can cause stunted growth and a lean look.

Diseases and pests

Sheflera is very rarely exposed to diseases and pests. But if she is provided with the wrong care, such pests may appear:

• scabbards;
• spider mites;
• thrips.

If insects are detected, the plant should be removed to a separate room so that the pests do not move to other indoor flowers. Then remove them with soapy water using a sponge. If they have filled the whole plant, it is needed spray with Karbofos solution... Re-spraying is allowed after 2-3 weeks.

From excess moisture rotting of roots is possible... If the cause is not eliminated in time, the plant may die. The plant should be transplanted, while removing the rotten roots. Provide moderate watering. Spotting on foliage is possible at low temperatures, lack of moisture.

With proper care, the chef will delight everyone with his beautiful appearance.

Flower transplant and reproduction

Rest period Sheflers

The dormant period for flowers, as usual, begins during winter... At this time, the plant stops actively growing, the temperature decreases, and flowering stops.

If the room temperature is high, the pots with a flower should be moved to another place with a more suitable air temperature. If he is provided with the right conditions and care, then the flower will begin to actively develop and gain growth with the onset of spring. Rest fertilizer do not contribute.

Transplant process

Sheflera's transplant is carried out early spring in March.

The planter should be selected in a special size, 5 cm larger than the previous one. It is necessary to place a drainage layer on the bottom so that water does not stagnate and the roots do not rot.

Pick up fertile soil. Place the plant in a new pot together with the soil on the roots. Then sprinkle it with earth and compact the soil around the plant. After planting, the flower must be watered abundantly and placed in a warm, lighted place.

Reproduction methods

Sheflera easily reproduces at home using the following methods:

• cuttings;
• air layering;
• seeds.

Propagation by cuttings

The simplest and most common propagation method is cuttings. To do this, cut off with a sharp object woody shoots.

Cuttings are planted in containers with prepared soil and cover with foilto create a greenhouse effect. It is necessary to put them in a bright place, with a temperature of 20 degrees.

Water the soil with a spray bottle every day and remove the foil for ventilation. When the cuttings take root, the film is removed from them and the temperature is lowered.

After the roots fill all the empty space in the pot, they are transplanted to a permanent place, providing a temperature of 15 degrees, and a lit place.

Air layering

Larger plants should be propagated better by layering. To do this, follow these steps:

1. Cut the stem of the plant vertically.
2. Incision location roll with moss, on top of the package.
3. Make sure the moss is constantly wet.
4. The roots should appear in about 1-2 months.
5. Need to be careful separate the layersso as not to damage the roots.
6. Plant the layers in separate pots.

This breeding method is more effective and always achieves positive results.

Seeds

Shefler's seeds begin to sow in January according to the manufacturer's description. Distribute seeds in a box with fertile soil and sprinkle with a layer of soil 0.5 mm.

Place the box in a bright place with temperature 25 degrees... It is necessary to open a box with a film for watering and airing. After the first leaves appear, the film must be removed from the box. In autumn, seedlings should be transplanted into separate pots as independent plants.

Kinds

Shouflera has many varieties, but the most common types are:

Schefflera arborescent has a straight trunk, long green leaves, about 20 cm in size.This variety is more resistant to diseases and pests.

Nora variety attracts with its beautiful foliage... It has narrow long green leaves, serrated at the edges. They have yellow specks.

The Bianca variety has short foliage up to 6-7 cm in length. In bianca, each leaf has white stripes along the edge.

Louisiana is the most graceful view. It has openwork leaves with white or yellow spots.

The most popular variety among Shefler. Small in size. When buying flowers, you can see the names on the Mix plant pots.

This view is most common at home... There is a brown trunk, on it there are petioles with dark green leaves, wavy at the edges. In this species, the foliage is similar to the leaves of oak.

This species is easy to distinguish from others. It has long leaves can reach up to 50 cm in length... From one petiole can form from 8 to 15 leaves.

Small tree with palm leaves... The leaves are divided into several parts, pointed at the tips. Blooms with flowers collected in inflorescences up to 10 pieces.

This species is distinguished by its leaf beauty. There are few stems on the plant. Each petiole forms up to 12 leaves of different shapes needle-edged... In home content, it is capable of reaching 2 meters in height.

Has an oval elongated foliage shape ribbed... Young plants are red in color, while adults are dark green.

Signs about a flower

There are some signs regarding the Schefler flower:

• absorbs bad and negative energy;
• helps to end discord and quarrels in the family;
• absorbs stress, neuroses, highlighting pacification and cheerfulness;
• promotes better assimilation of knowledge;
• promotes predict the future by coloring foliage;
• helps people with the zodiac signs of Aries, Leo and Sagittarius.

If the Flower's leaves darken, then there is a lot of negative energy in the room. Falling foliage, a sign of illness or loss. The leaves are curled, which means that a scandal is brewing. If you have stopped growing, you should expect failure. Sheflera is gaining momentum, there will be an addition to the family.

With proper care of a plant with its homeland from the tropics, in indoor conditions, it will delight everyone with its appearance. They also have a distinctive characteristic, with the help of its coloring of leaves, you can predict your future in order to prevent bad action.

Schefflera (sheflera) is one of the most beautiful plants on the planet. It is also among the common among indoor. The name is attributed to the names of the botanist Scheffler from Germany who studied one of its species. In this review, I will talk about the common types of this flower, the features of care and breeding methods for the chefler at home.

The plant is common in the tropics and subtropics, in South and Southeast Asia. Under natural conditions, it can reach a height of more than 15 meters, and at home, the graceful chef Melanie does not exceed 50 cm.

A flowering plant looks very beautiful, it throws out a fountain of reddish flowers at the top. Of course, you can admire this spectacle either in the homeland of the shefflers, or in the picture, since it does not bloom at home.

Shefflera has beautiful cut leaves. They look especially impressive with more than twelve leaf plates. The sheet can be simple, smooth, wavy and with a jagged edge. The color of the leaf can be light green, deep dark, variegated.

Variety of species

There are several hundred types of shefflers. Each of the species has several varieties. Some of them, such as the Charlotte (a species of woody sheffler), are very recent. The variety of variegated species does not leave indifferent any of the indoor floriculture lovers.

Spots on the leaves can be from pearl white to golden yellow. Sheffler looks especially impressive in offices because of the shape of the sheet.

The only drawback is that it has poisonous leaves, which forces it to be kept away from children and pets.

Now in the flower departments there are such forms as the Sheflera Compact intertwined. Three or more plants are planted in one pot, gradually braiding their trunks.

Shefflera bonsai has become another popular form. Dwarf plants look great in any interior.

Arboreal or woody

It grows in its homeland, in Taiwan, like a 3-4 meter bush. The leaf has 7-9 "rays". In nature, this unpretentious and evergreen shrub is distinguished by a huge variety of species. Among them there are large specimens reaching a height of 1 meter in indoor conditions.and "babies" like Caster.

Eight-leaf

It is named so for the number of leaf plates, most often there are eight. Although, it happens that this species also has seven or nine leaves in a rosette. In the wild, Asian countries, it grows into a huge tree up to 16 meters. In indoor conditions, its dimensions are limited to 70-90 cm. It is sometimes called eight-leafed.

Radiant

Another name is star-leaved, because its leaves can simultaneously resemble a palm with spread fingers and a star with many slightly serrated ends. The homeland of this wonderful species is Australia. There it grows like an epiphyte, entwining a tree with its roots.

Height can be 9-12 metersand huge leaves reach 60 cm in length. The leaves of the star-leaved sheffler have a jagged edge. It looks decorative, and in combination with the elongated leaf shape and slight variegation around the edge, it is simply amazing.

Veitch

Veitch's sheffler leaves form a rosette of collected leaf plates. Each leaf has a slight waviness and a jagged edge, which looks very impressive. At a young age, the leaves have a slightly reddish tint, over time it changes to green. The plant looks very unusual due to the shape of the leaves.

The most graceful

There is another name for this species - Elegant Dizigoteka. It differs from other sheffler in narrow leaf blades. This looks really elegant: waterfall of jagged leaves 1 cm wide and 20-30 centimeters long... Although there are other varieties in which the leaf is wider and shorter.

Fingered

Homeland - New Zealand, where is she grows more than 3 meters in height... Like all species, the sheffler is very fond of the sun. The name comes from the similarity of this sheffler with the fingers of the hand. Although there can be not only five leaves, but also 7, 9 and more.

The edge is feathery, while the plant is young, then pronounced teeth are formed. One of the varieties of the finger shefflera is Amate, the most shade-tolerant, as it grows in the homeland in the shade of dense forests.

Business

This species only grows in Western China. In nature, in wild forests, it grows up to 2-3 meters. This species is interesting in that the leaves are similar to our oak leaves, although they are connected in the same way as in the rest of the sheffler.

His homeland is the forests of Western China. Height in nature 2-3 meters... The leaves are very beautiful, the plate resembles an oak leaf. Prefers slight shading, otherwise this species is grown in the same way as other sheffler species.

Plant care at home

When caring for a shefflera, you need to remember that this is a poisonous plant.

Therefore, it is better to put it in the hall or office, in a word, where children and pets will be under control. It is desirable that this was not the north side. It is best if the windows face south-east or south-west.

Depending on the species, conditions close to natural are created for it. Do not forget that all extremes are fatal for the sheffler:

• too hot, above 30 ° C;
• draft (cannot stand);
• cold (below 10 ° C);
• damp;
• dark;
• direct sunlight.

In such conditions, the sheffler begins to get sick, and then dies. To prevent this from happening, create a comfortable environment for her and spray daily.

Features of temperature and light conditions

One of the most important features of shefflera care is the temperature regime. Create an optimal temperature for her, 16-22 ° C, then all other problems (overflow, illness) will be easier to cope with. A strong plant carries diseases much easier than a sick and weakened one.

The lowest threshold for shefflera is 10-12 ° C, otherwise the roots will rot. If you want to create a comfortable environment, then don't forget about the light.

Schefflera loves light. If it is not enough, the leaves become pale, this is especially noticeable on variegated forms.

Watering

Sheflera can shed leaves if it is not watered enough, but she does not like bays either. Moderation must be observed in this matter.

The water temperature should be at room temperature. Better to water with filtered or settled water. Cold water can speed up root decay.

Fertilizer

Fertilize the sheffler from March to October, and let the plant rest for the remaining 4 months. You can fertilize a little by everyone, including ash. But the central preparations should be mineral complexes, which are usually diluted in water in a certain proportion, and then watered. The procedure is performed approximately once every 2 weeks..

Transfer

Transplanting is done in early spring, late autumn, or at the moment when a clod of earth in a pot is braided by roots. On average, this procedure needs to be done once a year. Before transplanting, the plant should be thoroughly shed and carefully pulled out. You need to transplant into a pot with a diameter of 5-7 cm larger than the previous one... If this is not done, the roots will lack nutrition and moisture, and the plant may become sick.

Scheflera in winter

In winter, the chef takes a break from active growth. At this time, it is not recommended to feed it so that it does not stretch out. The exception is rare top dressing with ash at the rate. Nitrogen fertilizers should be eliminated.

The temperature must be reduced to +16 o C.

The plant is removed from heating appliances. It is necessary to spray occasionally and always with water at room temperature.

Breeding Sheffler

Cuttings

This is the most common type of breeding. For him, semi-lignified shoots are chosen, about a pencil thick. 2-4 buds (leaves) are left on prepared cuttings... The lower sheet plate is removed, the upper ones are cut in half. Some growers make an oblique cut to increase the rooting surface.

You can dip the bottom cut into Kornevin powder or another stimulant. Plant the cutting obliquely in a pot with a loose and moist substrate mixed with sand. Dug in a bag to create a humid atmosphere. But be sure to remove the bag from time to time to ventilate the plant.

Seeds

Amateur flower growers propagate the sheffler by seeds to get a rare variety or for the sake of experiment. The seeds are sold in specialized flower shops. The best time for planting is February-April.

Start propagation by seeds at the end of winter.

They are planted in a prepared loose substrate with the addition of river sand. Moisten the seeds with the shefflers from a spray bottle so as not to wash out the seeds.

For germination, a temperature of at least 25 ° C is needed, preferably bottom heating.

After the appearance of 2-3 leaves, the plants can be cut down.

Layers

It is very interesting to propagate by layering. This method is used not only for breeding shefflers, but also for horticultural crops. A small incision is made on the selected shoot, its semi-lignified part, or a little bark is simply removed.

It is necessary to free the area where the roots will grow, but the branch itself is not cut off. A little sphagnum moss is wrapped around the shoot and polyethylene is wrapped over it, which will fix the moss and prevent moisture from evaporating.
After a while, small roots will appear. Once they reach a length of 1 cm, you can carefully separate the stalk and transplant it into a glass. The first time the glass is kept covered. You can close it with a plastic bag, or with another glass.

Diseases and pests

Schefflera is considered a non-capricious house plant. It does not require supernatural efforts, it is enough not to overcool it and spray it daily.

Scheffler pests can come from infected plants brought into the home or office.

If you have a lot of indoor flowers, then you need to make a small box. Diseased plants or new items brought from the store can be planted there. A separate window sill or other place away from healthy flowers can serve as a box.

Yellow spots

Leaves can turn yellow due to pests. In order to detect the disease in the early stages, examine the sheffler carefully at least 2 times a week. If something is wrong with the leaves: they turn yellow, dry and curl, then try giving your plant a warm shower.

For this, the ground must be covered with a film so that there is no excess moisture. Then send a strong stream to the leaves and wash them on both sides. Then wipe each sheet with a cloth soaked in soap solution to remove pests.

If the physical method does not work, then try the chemical one. To do this, dilute Actellic or another agent according to the instructions and spray your sheffler. You need to spray when no one is at home, wearing a mask and gloves. After spraying, the room needs to be ventilated.

Leaves fall

Most often, the shefflera sheds leaves due to dryness. Check for dry soil in the container. Perhaps the roots are already pressing into the pot and are absorbing water faster than before. So, you need to transplant the plant.

The reason for the leaves falling off can be high temperature (more than +30 o C) and dry air.

The same consequences can be the other way around, with rotting roots.

The crown turns black

When the crown turns black, this can be called a very alarming symptom. This means that the plant is dying. Usually black spots appear when the shefflera has been in a draft for some time or at low temperatures. If you have filled it in, it will speed up the process.

The roots start to rot and, to stop the death of a plant, you need to remove it from the pot, dry the roots. Then transplant into a new, larger one, or plant back, changing the soil. Do not water for several days and keep at a temperature of at least 15 degrees.