Question
What is the proper procedure to start new plants from cuttings of a schefflera (sp?) plant?  I just inherited a 5' plant from a neighbor unable to care for it.  Has 'branches' that reach the ceiling--but the only leaves are at the end of the 'branch'.  Kind of spindly-looking.  I wondered if I could make cuttings and root in water?  or soil?  Thanks for any help you can offer!   Sami

Answer
Hi Sami,

Are you also interested in saving the plant that you inherited, the one that has just a few leaves at the top or ends of stems? If so, you should know that the Schefflera can be cut back as far as you want, down to a height of a couple of feet. As long as the roots are healthy, you should get new growth coming in just below the point where you make the pruning cut. This is a way to rejuvenate an older plant that has become spindly-looking.

As for rooting Schefflera cuttings, it is best to air-layer them. Here is how to do it:

1.Pick the place that you want to cut the stem back to. At this point, take a sharp knife and cut a V-shaped notch one third of the way through the stem. This is where the new roots will develop and grow. Alternatively, remove the bark and outer layer of the stem in a one-inch band around the stem.

2.If you have rooting hormone, put it into the notch or on the exposed area. If you don't have it, don't worry about it.

3.Wrap a handful of damp sphagnum moss in a ball completely covering and surrounding the wound. The roots will grow into this moist sphagnum moss.

4.Place clear plastic wrap around the wad of moss covering the wound. Seal the plastic wrap tightly with tape or rubber bands. This must be airtight so the moss cannot dry out.

5.Wait patiently for roots to develop and grow into the moss. This usually takes a month or more. If you can't see anything after a month or so, carefully remove the plastic wrap and check for roots and to make sure the moss has not dried out.

6.When you have a healthy batch of roots growing in the moss, completely sever the stem just below the developing roots. Remove the plastic and pot your rooted cutting into a small pot.

I know this sounds a bit complicated and it does take time. However, it is the only safe way to develop roots on thick and bark-covered cuttings. You can try just rooting the cuttings in plain water, but it is risky and often does not work for Schefflera cuttings.

Good luck!

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.