Question
how can i correctly clone a schefflera tree from my my existing tree?

Answer
Hello Jenny,
     Sorry it has taken me so long to respond to your question. I was out of town and did not realize my set vacation time had expired and that I had started receiving questions.

Unfortunately Schefflera are difficult to successfully propagate. Your best chance is to take a cutting from the main stem. Cut down about the top 6 inches if you can. Make the cut just below a node where a leaf stem is growing out of the main stem. Remove at least the bottom 2 leaf stems. You should leave about 4 leaf stems at the top/tip. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone. Then you can either stick the cutting in moist soil or you can put the cutting in distilled water.
I would recommend putting the cutting in distilled water. I have found that cuttings root better and more quickly in distilled water, even cuttings from plants that are difficult to propagate.
If you decide to root the cutting in distilled water, wait until the roots are about 1 inch long then plant the cutting in fresh potting soil.

Good Luck

I hope this helps. If you have any questions or need additional information please don't hesitate to ask.
          Thanks
              Tracy