| Schefflera, Hawaiian Elf | (Schefflera arboricola) | B,F,I,M,W ^ |
| cuttings easily propagated; if growth becomes leggy, cut back freely; evidence seems that if you cut with standard knifeblade only the next leaf under the cut will produce a branching bud, but if you use a heated blade — effectively cauterizing the cut — the next two leaves will produce branching buds; remove largest leaves but let about 1/4 inch of petiole (leaf stalk) remain attached to the plant, this little piece will be pushed off by the new growth, then where you remove the leaf you will not get another leaf, but the beginnings of a new branch; as soon as this new branch has two or three small leaves, cut the tip of the branch, which will halt the growth of the leaves; some say wiring is seldom used with, others indicate that careful wiring of young branches seems to harden up their wood faster; don’t overwater. [Araliaceae; Apiales]
General Information: This dwarf schefflera is an evergreen shrub with dark green, glossy, palmate leaves densley coveirng flexible, green stems which gently fan out into a rounded crown. Moderate salt tolerance. Family: Araliaceae Lighting: Part shade, part sun Temperature: Zone 9b. Watering: Adequate water to keep from drying out and remaining dry. Feeding: General purpose fertilizer. Pruning and wiring: Branching can be encouraged by pinching the stems. It can be pruned into a small tree over a period of years. Style as a broad crowned bonsai with the silhouette of a banyan tree. Propagation: May be propagated by cuttings, seed and air layer. Repotting: The tree needs annual repotting and may be severely root pruned. Not particular about the type of soil, however it should be well drained and slightly alkaline. Pests and diseases: Scale and spider mites when grown indoors. No diseases of major concern. Bibliography: US Department of Agriculture, Forest Service, Fact Sheet ST-586. Compiled by Thomas L. Zane |