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Followup To
Question -
Hello, I have a very pretty variegated schefflera arboricola that is quite spindly.  It had an attack of scales earlier, but I've halted the problem by treating it with insecticidal soap.  Anyhow, the upper canopy of leaves that remain are healthy, but I want to do something to beef up the legs/stalks.  An interet site I found suggested that with this type of plant I could "help keep it bushy by pinching out the growing tips."  I've read other places also about "pinching out" houseplants.  Sounds like a no-brainer on its surface, but what exactly does this mean -- or how would I do it?  And would it be effective in making my plant less spindly?

I've also read about a practice where I might be able to cut off the top parts and start new plants after forming new roots through a process called "air layering."  Have you heard of, and do you recommend, this?
Thanks in advance for your time!  I appreciate having somewhere to go with my questions.
Answer -
Susan,

Yes, I have used air layering on a lot of plants that are like you describe. The site below has full instruyctions with pictures for air layering.

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/ornamentals/airlayer/airlayer.html

If you air layer keep the lower part of the plant after you cut the top off for at least 6 weeks. It will most likely send out new shoots and you will end up with 2 very bushy plants.

Pinching out the growing tips is also effective at creating a bushier plant. I take scissors and cut off at least an inch of the growing tip of the plant where the new leaves come out.  However if your plant is very tall and spindly you could end up with a bushy top on spindles. If this is what you want to do rather than the air layering let me know and tell me how tall the plant is and how low on the plant that leaves are growing.

Also tell me where you live and I will advise you as to when you should start either of these processes for the most success. Good luck.

Darlene

Thank you so much!  This is very good and timely advice.  I believe I'll try the air layering technique; knowing that you have used it many times gives me more confidence.  Should I try air layering to establish roots on all the "legs" at once?  (There are roughly six predominant stems.)  Or should I try one or two legs at a time?

I live in Louisville, Kentucky (Zone 6) but I've kept the plant indoors.

Thanks again!  Susan

P.S. I also like your suggestion to keep the bottom part of the plant after air layering.  I never like to abandon a plant -- or part of one!  

Answer
Susan,

I'm about 4 1/2 hours straight north of you near Fort Wayne, Indiana. Wait till after March 15th to do the air layering because the days will be longer and the plant will go into a growing mode so the new roots will grow faster.  I would do 3 legs at a time. After you cut them off do not put them in too large a pot, best to start with a 6 inch pot, no larger.  On these new plants be sure to pinch the growing tips at least once a year or more often if the plant starts looking gangly. Scheffs love the sun so mine always goes outdoors for the summer in a full sun location.
Good luck.

Darlene