Choosed, bought and took home. That was fast. Now it is in its place and is gradually growing higher and higher. If you don't shorten it every now and then to promote its branching, you have to expect that the ray aralia will tip over at some point
When and how should you shorten a Schefflera?
The Schefflera should be shortened in spring or autumn to promote branching and control the growth height. Use pruning shears or a knife to cut off fresh shoots or woody parts. The plant can be safely shortened to up to 30 cm.
Shortening – a bushy, compact growth as a result
The Schefflera is considered to be extremely cut-tolerant. One more reason to pay her a visit with a knife or secateurs. Shortening this houseplant makes sense for the following reasons:
- Encourage branching
- Promoting bushy and compact growth
- Keep growth height low
- Avoid twisting an ankle
- remove diseased parts
- remove frozen parts
- remove parts infested with pests
What height does the Schefflera reach?
Without regular pruning to tame its growth, the radiant aralia literally shoots up. At some point - often at a height of 40 cm - it loses its grip and needs support. In this country it reaches a height of up to 3 m as a houseplant. In its homeland, warm, humid tropical forests, it can reach heights of up to 30 m.
In spring or autumn with suitable tools
The best time to shorten the Schefflera is in spring. Alternatively, late autumn is a good time. But regardless of this, this houseplant can also be trimmed throughout the rest of the year. However, pruning in spring stimulates their growth. Pruning in autumn slows down growth somewhat.
To cut, you should use secateurs (€14.00 on Amazon) or a knife, depending on what you want to cut off. Woody parts are cut through with clean secateurs. You can cut off fresh shoots with a knife. You can safely shorten the Schefflera down to 30 cm. It's sprouting again vigorously.
The roots can also be shortened
In addition to the above-ground parts of the plant, the roots can also be shortened if necessary. For example, if you repot the radiant aralia, you have the chance to cut away rotten and dead roots. He althy roots can be shortened. Then they branch out better.
Tip
When shortening, some shoots are left as clippings. You can use these for propagation from cuttings.
