The Schefflera plant, commonly known as the Umbrella Tree, is a popular houseplant recognized for its striking, palmate foliage. Growers often propagate this plant to manage its size, particularly when it becomes tall and “leggy,” or to create new plants for their collection or to share. This asexual reproduction method produces a genetic clone of the parent plant, ensuring the new specimen retains the original characteristics. Propagation is a straightforward process.
Propagation via Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are the most accessible method for creating new Schefflera plants. This technique involves selecting a piece of semi-hardwood stem, which is firm but still somewhat flexible, indicating active growth. The ideal cutting length is typically 4 to 6 inches, containing at least two leaf nodes where new roots will develop.
Preparing the cutting requires removing the lower leaves to prevent rotting in the rooting medium and to reduce water loss. Applying a powdered rooting hormone to the cut end is not strictly necessary but can significantly increase the speed and success rate of root formation.
The cutting can be placed in water or a soil mix. While rooting in water allows for easy observation, the resulting roots, known as water roots, are often delicate and may struggle to adapt when transplanted into soil. A better approach is to plant the cutting directly into a well-draining mix, such as a combination of peat and perlite or a coarse sand mixture. The medium should be kept consistently moist. Placing a clear plastic bag over the pot helps retain the high humidity necessary for successful rooting, which usually occurs within three to six weeks.
Propagation via Air Layering
Air layering is well-suited for larger, older Schefflera plants that have developed a thick, woody stem. This technique encourages the formation of a root ball on the stem while the section remains attached to the mother plant, reducing transplant shock. It provides a less risky alternative to taking a large cutting from a mature plant.
To begin, choose a spot on the main stem where the new plant’s base will be, typically 12 to 18 inches below the top foliage. Using a sterile knife, make an upward-slanted cut about one-third of the way through the stem. Alternatively, carefully remove a thin ring of bark, called girdling, that is about an inch wide to expose the cambium layer beneath. This wound interrupts the flow of sugars down the stem, stimulating root growth at the site.
The exposed area should be lightly dusted with rooting hormone before being wrapped in a handful of moist sphagnum moss. This moss provides a sterile, water-retentive environment for the roots to form. The moss ball is then covered tightly with plastic wrap or aluminum foil and secured at both the top and bottom to prevent moisture loss. Roots will begin to grow into the moss over the next few weeks or months until a robust root ball has formed.
Establishing the New Plant
Once a cutting or air layer has developed sufficient roots, the new plant is ready for its permanent pot. For stem cuttings, this occurs when the roots are approximately one inch long, which provides enough structure to support the plant in a new medium. For air layering, the new section is ready to be severed from the mother plant when the moss ball is visibly filled with a dense network of healthy roots.
When potting, select a small container that is only slightly larger than the new root ball, as a pot that is too large can hold excess moisture and lead to root rot. The planting medium should be a high-quality, well-draining potting mix. After planting, the new Schefflera requires bright, indirect light and a careful watering regimen.
The soil should be kept uniformly moist during the first few weeks to help the new roots acclimate to the soil environment. Gradually introducing the plant to normal household humidity and light conditions will ensure a smooth transition. This final step of establishment is when the propagated material becomes an independent, thriving Umbrella Tree.