Today you will not surprise anyone with exotic on your windowsill. And, as strange as it may seem, but most of the plants that arrived in Russia from the southern countries easily take root and do not require special care.
Schefflera, a bright, colorful bush, with leaves like peaks, came to our land from faraway Australia.
It is on the Australian continent and in New Zealand that this amazing plant grows, and we owe our discovery to the German botanist Jacob Christian Scheffler.
general description
If you consider yourself to be a beginner gardener, then Scheffler is exactly what you need. It belongs to the Araliaceae family. Despite the fact that at home the shrub began to grow relatively recently, it turned out to be so unpretentious and so easily take root on the windowsill that the chances of success are really great.
This evergreen plant is valued for its colorful leaves, covered with an unusual pattern. Flowers on Scheffler appear only in natural habitat or with proper care by experienced gardeners in greenhouses.
At home, the bush can reach 2.5 meters. This is less than in a natural habitat where the bush can reach 20 meters in height.
Important! Scheffler has many different types, one of the most attractive for home breeding is Sheflera's most elegant, and the most interesting variety is Bianca.
This species differs from the rest in leaf length, which is somewhat shorter and is equal to 8 centimeters. On the sheet is clearly visible edging cream color. In total there are more than two hundred types of Schefflera.
A photo
The photo shows the plant "Schefflera Bianca" with proper care at home:
Home care
Lighting
Attention! Bianca does not like direct rays, from them burns can appear on the leaves and trunk.
In winter, during overcast weather, it becomes necessary to create additional artificial lighting for the shrub. For this purpose, you can use fluorescent lamps. In summer, Bianca is best brought to the open air, sheltered from the scorching sun. Do not leave Bianca and in the place where it will fall precipitation. It is best to place the "Scheffler" under a canopy.
Temperature
Temperature is important to Schefflera. In winter, the optimum temperature for Bianka is 18 degrees Celsius.
The maximum temperature for Bianchi in the summer time should be no more than 22 degrees Celsius.
If the indoor temperature is much higher, then it is advisable to take the pot with the “Schefflera” to the open air, always covering it from direct sunlight.
If during the winter period of time in the room is too hot and the temperature is approximately equal to the summer temperature, then the care of Bianca should be carried out according to the summer mode.
Attention! Do not allow the temperature to be above + 22 degrees and below + 16 degrees.In another temperature corridor, the condition of the shrub can greatly deteriorate.
Watering in summer and winter
Scheffler likes moist air, if the room air is of insufficient humidity, then do not forget to periodically spray and wipe the leaves with a damp cloth.
In frequent watering Bianca needs in the summer time. The frequency of irrigation is determined by the condition of the soil. If the topsoil looks slightly dried, then it's time to water the plant.
A pot with a plant should be placed in a deep pan, as water may require a fair amount, especially on a hot summer day. "Schefflera" needs constant watering, but we can not allow an overabundance of moisture.
Important! After abundant watering, the water from the pan should be removed to prevent rotting of the root system.
Planting and transplanting
During planting or transplanting plants, special attention should be paid to drainage, it should be enough for the roots to receive air flow.
The pot should be filled with expanded clay no less than a quarter.
If you prefer to buy ready-made soil, the soil for palm trees is perfect for Shefflera. You can prepare the soil yourself. This will require fertile humus soil, rich in nutrients.
It is mixed with sand and turf. The approximate composition of the soil:
- Sod 40%;
- Humus 20%;
- Leafland 30%;
- Sand 10%.
Important! The soil should be slightly acidic, about 6 pH.
Young bushes are transplanted about once a year. It is preferable to do a transplant in the spring. An adult plant is enough to replant once every two years. Each time the pot must be larger than the previous one. If there is no possibility to transplant, then it is necessary to remove the top layer of soil and replace it.
Top dressing in different periods
Scheffler is at rest from October to March. During the period of growth, Bianca needs frequent feeding, about three times a month.
During the rest period it is sufficient to carry out the feed once a month.
Organic fertilizers or specially prepared mixtures for decorative leafy plants can act as a top dressing. Fertilize the soil immediately after watering.
Once a month, it will be good to spray leaves with bioregulators, such as zircon or epin.
Most of all in top dressing "Bianca" needs a period of growth, from March to September.
Pruning
Since Schefflera is a fairly large plant, pruning is required periodically to create a mold. Bianca does not like to throw away the side shoots and often grows up. If you follow the bush and in time to trim the extra shoots, you can form a lush beautiful crown.
Important! Trimming is carried out in the spring.
Breeding
The most common method of reproduction - cuttings. For rooting the stalk should be planted in the soil, consisting in the same fractions of sand and peat. Top with a glass jar or planted in a mini-greenhouse. It is necessary to block the flow of air before the first signs of the root system. The optimum temperature is from 20 to 22 degrees Celsius.
A rarer breeding method is seeds. Planting seeds is best done in the spring. Until the first shoots appear, the required temperature will be + 22 degrees. Then you can lower the temperature to +18.
The most difficult and rare method of reproduction is by air layering. This method is subject only to experienced gardeners. The trunk is cut and wrapped in moss, the top should be wrapped moss film. After a certain period of time, the film is removed and the moss is moistened with water. The procedure is repeated until the roots appear in the section. Then the tip is cut off and landed in a separate pot.
- Tree;
- Janine.
Benefit and harm
Scheffler produces the most positive influence on a person. It is believed that this plant absorbs all negative emotions, thus freeing the person from anxiety and worries. Therefore, it is advised to put "Scheffler" in the bedroom or recreation area.
Schefflera is an excellent natural moisturizer and cleaner. It affects the air in the room in such a way as to maintain an optimal microclimate and ecology.
The Scheffler is shrouded in various superstitions. For example, if you donate “Sheffler Bianca” to the newlyweds, then according to the growth condition of the bush you can determine how quickly you can wait for the addition to the family.
Important! We must not forget that "Schefflera" refers to poisonous plants and can cause dermatitis.
Home decoration with exotic plants has long become fashionable. Today, leading designers embody their ideas using plants such as Schefflera. Any beauty requires care. Only a plant that feels comfortable will look luxurious and add coziness to your home environment.
