Question
My schleffera has been in the same pot for four years. The branches are curving out and down a bit. What do you recommend? A bigger pot? Or pruning the branches? If pruning please explain how to do it.
Thank you.
"No green thumb Julie"


Answer
Hello Julie, green thumb or no green thumb!!!

Your plant should have been repotted around two years ago and given some fresh compost - have you been fertilising it?  When you do repot it use a pot which is just a couple of inches larger than the previous one.

Schlefferas do not like draughts, it should be watered liberally from spring to autumn and then sparingly in the winter, mist the leaves frequently to keep it dust free and the air humid and check regularly for insects - scale insects are partial to schleffera - but frequent sponging of the leaves and misting will keep them at bay.  Feed with a good proprietary fertiliser twice a month. Your plant will enjoy bright light but keep it out of direct sunlight.

If the plant has not dropped any leaves low down then there is no need to prune it unless of course you feel it is misshapen and needs tidying up.  Cut any bare stems off close to the main stem.  If there are branches which look lanky or too long and are detracting from the shape of the plant you could take some stem cuttings.  Cut straight across the stem about 3-6 inches below the leaves, dip the cut part in rooting powder and plant straight away in seed and cutting compost.

I'm sure that with repotting, feeding and misting your plant will perk up in a couple of weeks.  Good Luck.

Diana