If you care for them specifically, you can be amazed at their rapid growth. But only with the right cut and the right cutting tool in your luggage will you achieve bushy growth and the resulting jungle feeling.
How do I cut my Schefflera correctly?
To properly prune a Schefflera, shorten long shoots by 2/3 and cut directly above an “eye”. The best time for pruning is in spring or late autumn. The plant can also tolerate radical pruning and the separated cuttings can be used for propagation.
The best time to prune: late fall or spring
It is best to cut your radiant aralia in spring. You can start cutting by May at the latest. If you miss this period, you can still cut the plant in late autumn. In principle, spring is preferable for this specimen.
Reasons for cutting
Several reasons can make cutting the ray aralia a sensible action, including these ones:
- Get cuttings for propagation
- Achieve bushier growth
- achieve a compact growth habit
- remove diseased parts e.g. B. in case of fungal infestation
- cut off old inflorescences
- do not exceed a certain size
What do you use to cut the Schefflera?
You can cut through parts of the plant that still have a juicy green color with sharp and clean scissors. A sharp kitchen knife is also suitable for them. If the parts of the plant are already woody, you should use secateurs instead. For old and very thick shoots, you need to use pruning shears or a saw.
Exact procedure when cutting – nothing can go wrong
Without a cut, the radiant arale shoots up like a candle. At some point she can no longer hold herself up and collapses. She then needs a support e.g. B. a bamboo stick. To avoid this, you should cut your Schefflera regularly.
Here are a few tips that can help you when cutting:
- easy to cut
- has many growth nodes (leaf buds) from which it sprouts again
- shorten long shoots by 2/3
- cutting to the desired height is easy to implement
- cut directly above an 'eye'
- to rejuvenate, cut the trunks back to 15 cm
- Pinch off new growing shoots to get more side shoots (important when designing bonsai)
Radical cut is tolerated
This tropical plant can even tolerate radical pruning. This may become necessary if she has grown too large or is completely old. Don't worry: the Schefflera grows so quickly that it will sprout again quickly.
Use clippings for propagation
You can then use the cut shoots to propagate the Schefflera, for example. Placed in a glass of water or a pot with potting soil, they root quickly. The prerequisite for this is a bright location that is as warm as possible.
Tip
Dispose of the radiant aralia clippings! It is poisonous and pets or small children could consume it and suffer physical discomfort.