How to Take Cuttings From a Schifflera Plant
There are several varieties of Schefflera plants, also known as a dwarf umbrella or octopus tree, with more currently being developed. Although the ASPCA has warned of their toxicity to pets, they remain popular as an indoor plant, especially in offices and malls. However, they can be grown outdoors in warmer climates.
Originally hailing from Hawaii and Puerto Rico, the plant propagates easily from air-layers, seeds or cuttings, with just a few basic requirements.
- Difficulty:
- Moderate
Instructions
Things You'll Need
- Sharp knife or scissors
- Healthy Schefflera plant
- All-purpose or tropical potting soil
- Container or flower pot with drainage; it can be any size as long as it is large enough to accommodate the cutting and provide room for growth until plant can be repotted
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1
Prepare the container by filling with potting soil, leaving 2" to 3" at the top unfilled. This keeps dirt from running over the top of the container when watering. You may begin with a smaller pot to accommodate the cutting; once roots are established and the plant begins to grow, move it to a larger pot for adequate growth space.
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2
Take the plant cutting in the morning, if possible; plants seem to be their freshest then, and this gives the cutting a better chance of rooting.
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3
Choose a stem that is 4 inches to 8 inches long, with no drooping or yellow leaves.
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4
Cut the stem of the plant at an angle. Because this provides a bigger surface area than a cut straight across, it allows the cutting to draw water up more easily into the stem as it develops roots.
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5
Place the cutting directly in the potting soil. Although a rooting medium can be used to encourage root growth, it is not necessary for this plant.
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6
Apply water, holding the plant over a sink the first time. The soil needs to be saturated without overflowing to encourage root growth. Keep soil continually moist as the cutting grows, and continue to do so once it is an established plant.
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7
Place cutting in a bright spot, but where it will not overheat or be burned by intense sunlight. Plants seem to do well in any kind of lighting, but direct sun will encourage the cutting to grow.
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1
Tips & Warnings
Watering the Schefflera plant well the day before taking the cutting also increases the cutting's survival chances.
Some people develop an itchy rash after touching a Schefflera. If this occurs, pass the plant on to someone else and see your doctor if the rash continues.
See www.aspca.org for more information on plants that are poisonous to pets.
