Schefflera on lava
She’ll be ok in semi-shade but is happiest in bright, indirect light. She likes a spot away from harsh sunlight.
She enjoys a moist atmosphere so use a plant mister to spritz her once a week or so. Or put her in the bathroom.
Keep her tray topped up with water and she'll absorb what she needs from the lava. If any roots touch the tray, gently trim them.
She prefers filtered water, please (you can use tap water that’s been boiled, then cooled). Hard tap water can cause marks on the lava.
Botanical name
Schefflera actinophylla
Nickname
Umbrella tree; Octopus tree
Plant type
Evergreen perennial, indoor
Air purifying
Yes
Plant height (including pot)
Approximately 30cm
Pet/baby safe
Toxic to animals
Nursery pot size
22.5cm W x 12.5cm D
In the wild, this schefflera is most commonly found in Taiwanese forests, where it might grow as tall as nine metres. You’d need a considerably bigger rock for that. Growing a schefflera on lava looks very elegant and makes it very easy to look after.
The schefflera’s roots have grown around the lava, a porous stone. As the lava absorbs water from the tray, the plant sucks water from the lava. Try to keep the tray about three-quarters full. If any roots grow down and touch the surface of the water, trim them with scissors. It will stop the plant sucking up too much water and turning yellow.
If you need to move your schefflera, always be sure to lift it by the tray, not the lava rock, to avoid damaging the rock or the plant. Every piece of lava rock is unique, so the one you receive will differ from the one in the pictures. Over time, you may see light white marks or green algae appear on the rock. This can look beautiful, but if you'd rather remove it you can do so by lightly scrubbing with a toothbrush (best not the one you're currently using).
Did you know?
It’s not just lava rocks the plant will grow on. In the wild it can affix itself to the trunks of other trees.
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