The Schefflera, also known as the Radiant Aralia, is not only valuable as a simple houseplant. Grown as a bonsai, it has at least the same charisma. Bonsai fans are absolutely right with it and should give it a try!
Why is the Schefflera suitable as a bonsai?
The Schefflera is a popular bonsai because it grows quickly, tolerates cutting and is easy to shape. As an indoor bonsai, it prefers bright locations, regular cutting, sufficient water and fertilizer as well as repotting and root cutting every two years.
Three of your most convincing arguments as bonsai
The radiant aralia grows extremely quickly, both in height and width. It also turns out to tolerate cutting well. If their shoots have been shortened, they will grow back again in no time. Your third argument: The direction of your growth can be easily influenced.
Other benefits of Schefflera
But there are other arguments with which the Schefflera wins fans as a bonsai:
- lacquer-like shiny leaves
- less susceptible to illness
- easy care
- few demands on the environment
- cheap to purchase
- easy to propagate
There are no limits to design ideas
Whether it's a rock shape, a broom shape or another design variation - this indoor bonsai can be designed according to any creative whim. What is particularly important is that this plant is in the brightest possible location so that it develops many leaves and thus a dense growth. You are welcome to put them on the balcony during the summer (no direct sun!).
It's better to cut than wire
The important thing when dealing with this indoor bonsai is that it should only be cut and not wired. Pruning is important to maintain an umbrella-like crown. From May until September you should use scissors or shorten the shoots with your fingernails about every 6 weeks.
Wiring is not recommended. The bark of the Schefflera is extremely sensitive. If you still want to wire, proceed very carefully! There is also a risk that the branches will break.
You shouldn't miss out on this care
The Schefflera as a bonsai attaches great importance to the following care procedures:
- water abundantly
- in bright locations: Fertilize weekly from March to September
- in partially shaded locations: fertilize every two weeks
- fertilize once a month in winter
- Use bonsai fertilizer
- Repot every two years and prune the roots
Tip
The Schefflera variety called 'New Hawaiian Dwarf' forms a particularly stocky trunk and is therefore almost predestined as a bonsai.
