Indoor plants there are many, many. However, there is a small group of them whose more widespread use has made them famous. The trunk of Brazil , the spatifilo , the pothos, the violets or kentias are some examples of indoor plants that do not require presentation. We find them in almost any environment. We were missing one. The Schefflera . The name may not sound like too much to you but we are sure that you have seen it millions of times.
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SCHEFFLERA ACTINOPHYLLA MAIN CHARACTERISTICS
The Schefflera stands as one of the most used ornamental plants in work spaces , offices, public interiors such as shopping centers and open spaces in general. The reasons are very simple.
When someone does not own plants like in an office, it is often rare that they are properly cared for. This causes the choice of species that are simple to care for and resistant to variations in the dose of water, electricity or fertilizer, for example.
With Schefflera actinophylla we will be able to fill empty, gloomy gaps, without grace or life. This is what the Schefflera is for. That is their mission. It is a slender plant, provides volume and height and best of all: it needs little care and supports the lack of light very well . It is what we call a grateful plant, very grateful.
The genus Schefflera is made up of various species with a wide range of possibilities. Trees, shrubs, plants and vines are included within this enormous genus with some 700 described species. its origin is centered in the American continent and Southeast Asia.
Some species of the genus are scattered in other places such as Africa, although in a testimonial way. In general, its leaves are compound in the shape of a palm and that is what adds volume and foliage to the whole. Cares are few but some have.
CARE AND NEEDS OF THE SCHEFFLERA ACTINOPHYLLA
TEMPERATURES
Tolerates the chill. Its normal thermal range of development oscillates between 13 ºC and 24 ºC approximately. What we have to avoid are not low temperatures but sudden changes , both going up and down.
The constant wind currents are not recommended . One of the advantages of being located in shady indoor areas is that the temperatures are somewhat cooler but more constant.
EXPOSITION
It is a plant that tolerates dark rooms. This does not mean that all its fullness is reached with little sun exposure. The indirect but high luminosity is the best of the intensities for a dense and voluminous development. Our recommendation is that if the plant is small, it should be located in a place with good lighting . When it is of considerable size, then it will be time to move it to a shadier place where it can be kept without problems.
Its growth will slow down, but it will maintain its bearing.
IRRIGATION AND SUBSCRIBER
What is the main reason for a plant to become a favorite in offices and other public environments? Resistance to lack of water.
It is the most important thing. The Schefflera is an example of endurance, considering that it is not a cactus. The waterings to cover their needs do not go beyond once a week in summer and during the colder seasons space the waterings even more.
It is much better to be short of water than to go overboard. Waterlogging is its weak point.
The fertilizer can be done during spring and summer with a specific nitrogen-rich fertilizer for green plants. We will encourage its development if it is precisely in shady places.
SUBSTRATUM
It needs organic matter and since its weakest point is waterlogging, good drainage will be necessary. To do this, we will mix peat, mulch and river sand in equal parts and we will obtain optimal drainage and nutrition conditions.
SCHEFFLERA MULTIPLICATION
When they see your splendid and majestic Schefflera at home they will ask you to give them some. If you want to give Schefflera, you can multiply it yourself by easily cutting a stem at any time of year, although it is always better in spring.
If you have sensitive skin, we recommend wearing gloves, since the latex contained in this plant is considered irritating to the skin and mucous membranes.
AND WHAT ABOUT THE SCHEFFLERA IN THE GARDEN?
Of course, Schefflera can be grown in the garden. The only condition is that wherever you live, you have a temperate frost-free climate . In this case, the plant will develop normally, reaching surprising dimensions.