Schefflera arboricola 'Melanie'

Schefflera is also known as an Umbrella tree. Its peculiar light-toned leaves make it plant-of-choice for home and offices.

Plant Requirement: 

Soil: Soil should be well-drained and avoid water logging in soil. It has a shallow root system. So, top-soil should be firm, fertile, and rich in organic matter. Soil should be well-drained and good water holding capacity. Schefflera grows any type of soils. It can be grown easily in general pot-mix soil. It has a fibrous root system attached to a thick bulb-like a base-stem.  Soil can be mixed with perlite or vermiculture. It grows well in soilless media like cocopeat. 

Water: Schefflera appreciates a lot of humidity and moist compost. Water weekly during the growing season and spray frequently. Cut back water during winter.

Climate: Bright, indirect light. In the summer, move it outside if possible under a shady overhang.

Garden Use: Schefflera is used as an indoor pot plant.

Care and Maintenance: 

Nutrition:  It can be grown in good garden mix soil. It is a medium feeder.

Protection: Mealybug is a common pest of Schefflera, which can be prevented by keeping plants under ambient temperature. The pots and plant need a good cleaning once a month. 

Horticulture Operations: Remove old and dried leaves just pulling it down or cut with sharp scissors if it's half-dried. Repotting is required for good growth once a year with fresh garden soil or pot-mix. Check water drainage from time to time. For a multi-branching stem, the center branch can be cut-back with a sharp cutter.