Cutting Schefflera - when, how, with what and why?

Cutting Schefflera - when, how, with what and why?

The best time to prune: late autumn or spring

It is best to cut your ray aralia in spring. You can start cutting by May at the latest. If you missed this period, you can still prune the plant in late autumn. Basically, spring is preferable for this specimen.

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  • Yellow leaves on the Schefflera - what's wrong?
  • Schefflera - features and claims of this houseplant

Reasons for cutting

There are several reasons that make cutting the ray aralia a sensible action, including these:

  • Gaining cuttings for propagation
  • achieve a bushier growth
  • achieve compact growth
  • remove diseased parts e.g. B. with fungal attack
  • cut off old inflorescences
  • Do not exceed a certain size

How do you cut the Schefflera?

You can cut through parts of plants that are still a lush green color with sharp, clean scissors. A sharp kitchen knife is also suitable for them. If the parts of the plant are already lignified, it is better to use secateurs. A pruning shears or a saw must be used for old and very thick shoots.

Precise cutting procedure - nothing can go wrong

Without a cut, the ray aralia shoots up like a candle. At some point she can no longer hold her own and kinks. You then need a support z. B. a bamboo stick. To get around this, you should cut your schefflera regularly.

Here are a few tips that can be helpful when cutting:

  • well tolerated by cutting
  • has many growth nodes (leaf buds) on which it sprouts again
  • Shorten long shoots by 2/3
  • Easy to cut to the desired height
  • cut directly above one 'eye'
  • cut the trunks back to 15 cm to rejuvenate
  • Cut out newly growing shoots to get more side shoots (important when designing bonsai)

Radical cut is tolerated

This tropical plant can even tolerate radical pruning. This can become necessary if it has become too big or has aged completely. Don't worry: the Schefflera is so vigorous that it drifts back quickly.

Use clippings for propagation

You can then use the cut shoots to multiply the Schefflera, for example. If placed in a glass with water or a pot with potting soil, they root quickly. The prerequisite for this is a bright location that is as warm as possible.

Tips

Dispose of the clippings of the radiated aralia! It is poisonous and pets or young children could consume it and experience physical discomfort.