Question
I have had this schefflera for several years and it has died back to 1 (one) stalk about 24"  high and it is thriving but I want to have it look a little fuller. How do I start new stalks of the schefflera?

Answer
Hi Carolina,

Scheffleras can only be propagated by stem cuttings. You have only one stem left so it will be very hard and long to ever get it looking full again. Here is what you would have to do:

Cut off the healthy stem about 2-3 inches below the lowest leaves. Insert that stem in the soil of the existing pot. With proper watering and lots of sunlight, two things will happen. New growth on the original stem will emerge just below the pruning cut; roots will gradually develop on the tip cutting and then that second stem will start to grow.

After 6 months to a year, you will be able to take tip cuttings from one or both of the stems and repeat this process. If all goes well, after a few years you will have many short, but healthy stems growing in your pot.

Unfortunately, there is no way to short-cut this process because Scheffleras do not send up shoots spontaneously from the soil.

I have written an article on Schefflera care and on propagation of stem cuttings that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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