Question
QUESTION: Hi Will,
I've just bought 2 plants - a dwarf schefflera in a 11" pot(the plant is about 16" tall) and a threadleaf also in a 11" pot (the plant is about 2 feet tall).
So far, the plants are fine. I understand both the plants need moderate to bright indirect light, thorough watering when the soil is dry. The funny thing is - both the pots had about 1 and 1/2 inches of mulch covering the top of the pot (or covering the base of the plant, if you may). The mulch is of pretty ordinary variety - and so I dont understand the reason for it being there. Winter protection, seems the only reasonable explanation I could come up with. But now that I have them indoors, should I remove that mulch? It does get hard for me to check if the soil is dry with all that mulch covering the pot-top (I usually just stick a finger in the soil to check if the top 2" are dry - before I water - I hope that is the right way). Should I get rid of the mulch? If yes, should I replace it with soil? what kind of soil?
Do the plants need re-potting? I hope not, I have no experience at re-potting successfully.
Thanks

Farah

ANSWER: Hi Farah,

I don't know what 'threadleaf' is. That is a descriptive term that is applied to many differnt species, so my comments below apply only to your Schefflera arboricola.

The Schefflera needs lots of bright indirect sun all day long. It should be very close to a north window and within a few feet of any other window. Allowing the top 1-2 inches to dry before watering is correct.

Mulch on an indoor plant is there only for decorative purposes, so feel free to remove it especially if it helps you determine the soil moisture level. Do not replace the mulch with soil and do not repot your plant.

If you are unable to ID your other plant, post a photo here or email a photo to me at [email protected].

I have written an article on Schefflera care 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.

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.

Need more information? Visit my website at www.HorticulturalHelp.com
or email me at [email protected] or call me at 917-887-8601 (EST)
 
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC


---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Will,
Thanks for the quick revert on the Schefflera. The other plant is called Dizygotheca elegantissima (Aralia elegantissima)or False Aralia (gathered this from the net - the retailer had simply labeled the plant as 'green plant') . Its in a 11" pot and its about 2 feet tall.

ANSWER: Hi Farah,

Unless there are at least a half dozen or more plants in the pot, then I would be concerned that your False Aralia may be over potted in an 11" pot. Its light requirements are similar to the Schefflera. It is very sensitive (unforgiving) to both over and under watering. If the pot size is appropriate, then water it as soon as the top inch of soil feels dry or if it starts to wilt, whichever comes first.

Keep it away from radiators and heaters. It prefers high humidity so use a pebble tray underneath it if you don't have a humidifier

Watch carefully for spider mites, which love this plant.

This is a very pretty, but challenging plant and that is why you don't see too many of them round anymore.

Good luck with yours and let me know if you have any questions about it.

~Will

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks Will,
There does seem to be about 5 odd stems in the Aralia pot (will have to discard all that mulch before I can have a closer look). Its within 2 feet of a humidifier and 1 feet of a stained glass window (is that adequate?)

How can I keep spider mites at bay? Anything preventive? I read about soapy water misting.... what kind of soap? and what concentration works best?
Thanks

Farah

Answer
Hi Farah,

I am concerned that the stained glass will filter out too much of the light. Of course that varies with the darkness of the colors and the thickness and opacity of the glass, but I would assume the worst and try to place your plant elsewhere.

Keeping your plant healthy is the best way to prevent plant pests of any kind. Spider mites thrive in hot dry air, so keeping temps down and air humid will work more effectively than misting and adding soap to the mist doesn't really help in prevention. Focus on providing proper light and water and just visually check for spider mites every month or so.

~Will