Question

Schefflera Plant   Hello Darlene,

I have a tremendous (over 6' tall & more than 4' circumference) Schefflera that I rescued from someones garden before the winter cold comes to NY.   My question is if I repot the plant can I break up the root ball to separate this monster into 2 different plants?  Or am I better to just trim the excess branches and keep the root ball intact?  Also any pointers on rooting cuttings are greatly appreciated.  Please see the pic attached.

Kind regards,
Mike

Answer
Mike,

You can only divide it easily if there are 2 or more different plants in the pot, each with it's own roots.  To find this out remove the entire plant fom the pot and carefully start removing soil from the top.  If all those lanky branches come together lower in the pot and there is only one set of roots you cannot divide it.  If each branch has it's own roots you can take a large very sharp knife and cut straight down through the rootball half way between the closest arms. It looks like you may even be able to cut it in 3 pieces.

This is the wrong time of year to try to root cuttings from the plants because the days are too short. If you really want to do that you will need rooting hormone to dip your cuttings in then insert them into pots of fresh potting soil. Then place the pots of cuttings under one or two 4 foot long 2 light garage light florescent fixtures that are no more than 12 inches above the tops of the cuttings. Then plug the light fixtures into a timer that keeps them on for 14 hours a day. That will give them the long days that they need to root. If you cannot do the florescent light thing then you need to wait until after April 1st when the days are longer.  

In the summer this plant loves to be outside in full sun. It is a sun lover. The more sun the healthier it will be. It respinds well if you pinch out the top when it is growing. That will keep it from getting lanky again and cause it to branch out a lot. If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck!

Darlene

PS, This plant can also be turned into a bonsai.