The radiant aralia is one of the most popular houseplants because it is very easy to care for and thrives lushly. That's why it is not only suitable as decoration for the home, but also beautifies the office and public buildings. It also filters pollutants from the air with its leaves, thus ensuring a better indoor climate. With our care tips you will enjoy your attractive, green roommate for many years to come.
How do I care for a Schefflera houseplant?
The Schefflera houseplant, also known as the radiant aralia, is an easy-care and robust plant that thrives in partial shade to bright places. It requires slightly moist substrate, weekly fertilizing during the growing season and occasional spraying or foliage wiping.
The Appearance
You can recognize the Schefflera by its slim, upright growth. With good care it can reach a height of over two meters. Since it hardly branches, several plants are usually offered in stores fixed around a moss stem.
The glossy, dark green, large leaves are arranged in a radial pattern. Houseplants rarely bloom. If this is the case, the radiant aralia forms green-yellow flower spikes.
The right location
The Schefflera feels comfortable even in slightly darker areas of the room and can handle dry heating air well. It thrives in partial shade, but also loves brighter places. However, direct sunlight should be avoided.
Soil and repotting
No matter whether you choose hydroponics or traditional houseplant soil, the radiant aralia grows well in both versions. Repot young plants annually and shorten roots that have become too long.
Watering and fertilizing
Keep the substrate slightly moist, but do not overdo it with water, as the decorative leaf plant is sensitive to over-wetting.
During the growing period, fertilization is carried out once a week with a commercially available liquid fertilizer for leafy plants (€6.00 on Amazon). In winter it is sufficient to fertilize once a month.
Shower the plant occasionally or wipe the foliage with a damp cloth and lime-free water. This makes the leaves shine beautifully and stay he althy.
The pruning
If the radiant aralia grows over your head, you can boldly grab the scissors:
- Trim the top from time to time, this promotes bushy growth and prevents baldness in the lower area.
- The few side shoots should be shortened regularly for the same reason.
- As the Schefflera becomes woody, the branches are cut off just above a bud or branch fork.
- Plants that have lost a lot of foliage during the winter months will sprout vigorously after pruning.
Diseases and pests
The Schefflera is an extremely robust houseplant. Watering too much can lead to root rot. Occasionally kick
- Scale, aphids or mealybugs as well as
- Spider mites
up. These can be easily treated with a commercially available insecticide.
Tip
In the warm summer months you can put the radiant aralia outdoors. Here too, the location should not be too sunny and protected from the wind. Bring the plant back into the house as soon as temperatures drop below ten degrees at night.
