Question
QUESTION: Hi Darlene
Since you were so helpful with my other Ficus, perhaps you could give me some insight into the care of my "umbrella tree"?

http://s801.photobucket.com/albums/yy292/capermandy/Ficus/?action=view¤t=I

I will assume this one needs to be repotted as well, but perhaps you could give me more info on the care of the tree as well as pruning it. As you can see, the limbs are very twisted and sort of go wherever they want so I am really unsure about pruning this one. Ideally, I'd love for it to be taller and fuller. Thanks again!

ANSWER: Mandy,

Yes, repot the Schefflera immediately. Use the same soil I descried earlier. Then set it outside in full sun (this plant is a sun lover) immediately as long as the lows are above 50 degrees where you are. Pick up some water soluable fertilizer such as Miracle Grow. The fertilizer and sun will thicken up and grow those scrawny limbs.

I would cut off the top 1/3rd of each limb just above a leaf. That will caus it to back bud and get fuller and the fertilizer and sun will cause it to grow. If you keep it in a sunnier location all winter you will have the fuller taller plant you want by next summer. More questions? Write again. Good luck.

Darlene

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

QUESTION: Thanks for the tips! I am a bit concerned about setting it outside though, I live in Nova Scotia where the temp is now dipping to 12 degrees celcius overnight. It also tends to be somewhat windy as well.

Answer
Mandy,

It shouldn't go out below 8 celsius. It could go out days and be brought back in at night. It would really help it back bud and get new growth to get maximumm sun outdoors. Otherwise keep it indoors in as much sun as you can possibly give it.

Darlene