The Schefflera, or umbrella tree, is a popular and rather easy-to-care-for plant. Do you want to grow Schefflera but don't know how much space to give between each plant? We have done plenty of research to find you the answer.
You should plant Schefflera four to six feet apart in your garden. This species will round out as they mature, so it is essential to give each plant enough room to grow. On top of that, Schefflera's roots also need space to develop, so giving your plant at least four feet is a good place to start.
As we begin, we will cover all things Schefflera and discuss how to grow them. Whether you have one in your garden or want to add Schefflera into the mix, giving your plant enough room to grow is key. With that said, let's jump right into this topic!
Where Does Schefflera Grow?
In general, Schefflera grows in warm, tropical climates and is native to Taiwan and South China. You can find Schefflera growing throughout Florida, Hawaii, and even in Puerto Rico.
This shrub/tree often prefers to grow somewhere with plenty of sun and very mild winters, so keep that in mind. That said, as long as you live in USDA zones 10 through 12, you should be fine to grow a Schefflera in your garden.
How Fast Does Schefflera Grow?
Typically, Schefflera will grow between two and three feet per year, which is considered fast-growing. Depending on how much sun it gets and whether you fertilize regularly, you might even see your plant grow closer to four feet in a calendar year.
Schefflera's growth depends on how much sun and moisture it gets, so pay close attention to your plant's soil/environment. On top of that, they also mention the importance of Schefflera's climate, which ideally should stay between 60 and 75 degrees.
How Do You Plant Schefflera?
When it comes to planting Schefflera, this shouldn't be too complicated. Follow these steps:
- Choose a bright, warm spot in your garden for your new plant.
- Dig a hole as deep as your Schefflera's roots and twice as wide as its root ball.
- Before putting it in the ground, trim off any circling roots from your Schefflera.
- Plant your Schefflera into the ground and water it thoroughly.
- Fill in the rest of your plant's hole with fresh soil, and you're ready to go!
What Kind Of Soil Does Schefflera Need?
Soil-wise, we recommend using sandy loam for your new Schefflera plant. In general, as long as Schefflera has good draining soil, it should be fine, so try to find an option with sand or gravel.
You also want to find soil with a slightly acidic pH balance, which Schefflera loves, so keep that in mind.
Valley Garden Organic Potting Soil
This organic potting soil is a mixed course blend, fast-draining, slightly acidic, reduces root rot, and comes in a few bag sizes.
Follow this link to view it on Amazon.
Can A Schefflera Be Planted Outside?
For anyone wanting to plant their Schefflera outdoors, this is a great idea. Generally, this plant does best in outside conditions because it will get the most sun exposure, which helps with growth.
Like we said, as long as you live somewhere with moderate weather, your plant will be fine to grow outside, ideally in temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit. According to Gardening Know How, Schefflera isn't hardy enough to survive colder winter weather, so you might want to relocate your plant indoors until the spring/summer season.
How Cold Can A Schefflera Plant Get?
You don't want your Schefflera to be in weather below 35 degrees. Although the occasional cold spell won't kill your plant, exposing Schefflera to prolonged cold periods can damage its roots and even stunt its growth.
With that said, if the weather calls for cooler temperatures and you can't get your Scheflerra indoors, we recommend using a thermal plant cover to protect it.
Kuopry Plant Protection Cover Bags
These reusable shrub jackets protect against freeze, measure 47 x 72 inches, is non-woven polypropylene fabric, and have a drawstring design.
Click here to check them out on Amazon.
Can You Overwater Schefflera?
When it comes to overwatering Schefflera, this is possible. This plant, in particular, does not like to have soggy soil and needs good drainage to survive.
Like we covered earlier, choosing a sandy loam mix for your Schefflera is a good way to prevent overwatering, although adding gravel to your plant's soil will also work. Regardless, you want to check your Scheflerra's soil before you water to ensure it doesn't end up becoming too wet.
How Many Times Per Week Should You Water Schefflera?
Ideally, you should water Schefflera every 10 to 12 days. Most times, your plant won't need water every week, but this depends on the weather/climate.
Let your Schefflera completely dry between waterings, so feel around its base about once per week.
Does Schefflera Need Full Sun?
Although Schefflera love warm, bright conditions, they tend to do better in partial shade. Schefflera's, in general, love bright shady locations but can handle full sun as long as the weather is moderate.
That said, you don't want to plant your Schefflera somewhere that gets more than six hours of full sun per day because this can burn its leaves. Of course, if your garden doesn't have a shady spot, you should be fine as long as you keep your Schefflera well watered.
How Do You Keep A Schefflera Healthy?
For anyone new to growing Schefflera, keeping it healthy is usually as easy as regular watering and a little upkeep. To start, you want to make sure you water your Schefflera every 10 to 12 days, making sure its soil doesn't get too wet/soggy.
You also want to ensure that your Shefflera's soil has good drainage and is slightly acidic. On top of that, regularly fertilizing your plant with a balanced, nutrient-rich liquid fertilizer is a good way to keep it healthy and strong.
PLANTFUEL Liquid Fertilizer
This liquid fertilizer naturally stimulates roots, has a balanced all-in-one formula, and comes in a 32-ounce bottle.
See this liquid fertilizer on Amazon here.
Can Schefflera Be Divided?
When it comes to dividing Schefflera, this depends on how it grows. If your plant has a single-stemmed growth pattern, it's best not to try and divide it because doing this can harm your Schefflera.
That said, if you can find a sub stem to cut, you can certainly divide it. According to Lotus Magus, you are OK to separate one of your Schefflera's sub stems in two, but try to avoid taking anything from your plant if it has a single-stemmed growth pattern.
How To Propagate A Schefflera Tutorial
Here is an easy-to-follow video tutorial from Macksimize's official " data-lasso-id="12665">YouTube channel. In this video, she covers the basics of propagating your Schefflera and gives helpful insight into how to grow your new mini plant.
How Long Do Schefflera Plants Live?
Typically, you can expect Schefflera to live up to 25 years if they are in ideal conditions. Of course, your plant's lifespan will depend on how well you take care of it and where it is grown, so not all Schefflera's will last for decades.
That said, indoor Schefflera's tend to live the longest, mostly in part to them being protected from outdoor diseases and extreme weather conditions.
Is Schefflera Easy To Care For?
When it comes to caring for Schefflera, they are relatively easy to grow and maintain. In general, as long as you water your plant when needed and keep it somewhere with bright light, it shouldn't have any problems.
Schefflera can be weather and soil-sensitive, so if they get too hot, cold, or overwatered, this can be deadly for your plant. Of course, that is not to say you can't grow one inside, so if the climate where you live isn't suited for Schefflera, it can always be an indoor plant.
To Wrap It Up
Whether you have a Scheflerra growing in your garden or want to plant some, knowing how far to space them apart is essential. From what we found, you should plant Scheflerra four to six feet apart from each other so they have enough room to grow.
When it comes to planting Schefflera, make sure to use good draining soil, and locate them somewhere that gets enough sunlight. Upkeep-wise, you want to water your Scheflerra every 10 to 12 days and fertilize it regularly. Regardless of where you live, make sure to give your Scheflerra enough space to fill out, and don't be afraid to propagate it if it has a sub-stem growth pattern.
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