The schefflera forms leathery leaves that radiate out from the leaf stalks and give the aralia a decorative appearance. The popular houseplant is very robust and easy to care for.
Although the radiant macaw (Schefflera) is a real eye-catcher in its natural monochromatic form, there are other varieties with patterned leaves. If you are looking for an easy-care and high-growing houseplant, the Schefflera is a good choice.
Schefflera: flower, origin and characteristics
The genus of radiant aralia (Schefflera) belongs to the Araliaceae family. Of the approximately 500 Schefflera species, four can be kept as indoor plants, but they are not hardy in our country. The Small Rayed Aralia (Schefflera arboricola) originally comes from Taiwan, but is now also widespread in other tropical and subtropical regions, because it is often used as an ornamental plant and grows wild there.
The radiant aralie owes its German name to its leaves. These are elongated, tapering to a point, have a glossy sheen and arise in groups from a long petiole. Several sheets together result in a star-shaped overall picture. In some cases, it is also commercially available as a lacquer sheet. In its native habitat Schefflera arboricola can grow up to 4 m tall trees, while as a houseplant it remains a smaller shrub with a maximum height of 2 m. The Schefflera grows quite fast and can grow up to 30 cm per year in good conditions.
In contrast to its leaves, the flowers of the aralia are rather unspectacular. After pollination, orange-red, spherical fruits develop from the small, yellow-green flowers.
Can a schefflera bloom? With ideal location conditions and appropriate care of the radiate ara, the schefflera can even bloom as a houseplant. The flowering period then extends from July to August. A cool hibernation at around 16 °Cand avoiding regular pruning promote flowering.
The most beautiful schefflera types and varieties
Not only the small Schefflera we like to use as indoor and office plants, but also other Schefflera species like the eng related Large-leaved Ray-Aralia (Schefflera actionophylla) and Narrow-leaved Ray-Aralia (Schefflera elegantissima), which is also called Finger Aralia. We give a brief overview of the species and some Schefflera varieties.
- Small-leaved Schefflera (Schefflera arboricola): This species is very common as a houseplant and available in different varieties. It is robust, easy to care for and grows between 30 and 200 cm.
- Small-leaved Schefflera 'Gold Capella': In this variety, the dark green leaves are variegated yellowish or light green.
- Small-leaved Schefflera 'Nora': The leaves of this cultivar are uniformly colored dark green.
- Large-leaved Schefflera (Schefflera actinophylla): The Large-leaved Schefflera looks confusingly similar to the small-leaved Schefflera . In indoor culture it can grow up to 2 m tall, in nature it grows into trees of 10 - 15 m in height. Also known as the Umbrella Aralia or the Umbrella Tree.
- Narrow-leaved Schefflera (Schefflera elegantissima): With its narrow leaves serrated at the edge this radiant aria has a special appearance. As a houseplant it grows up to 80 cm tall.
- Broad-leaved Schefflera (Schefflera veitchii): This species can grow indoors to heights from 1 m and has leaves with a wavy edge. It prefers slightly warmer temperatures of 18 - 25 °C.
Tip: The Schefflera can even be cultivated as a bonsai. However, care must be taken when doing this, as the shoots break easily.
Planting Schefflera: location, soil and Co.
The radiant macaw is a houseplant and must not be kept at temperatures below 10 °C. For this reason you should not plant the Schefflera outside. In the summer put the radiate aria, if possible together with herpot, in a partially shaded, wind-protected spot outdoors. The Schefflera spends the rest of the year in a spot in the light semi-shade without direct sun indoors. Varieties with lighter or patterned leaves may stand a little lighter than dark green radiant macaws. The temperature in the summer months should be between 18 and 20 °C, in winter it is cooler at 12 to 16 °C. Although it is a tropical plant, the radiant macaw can also cope well with dry air. Drafts, on the other hand, are not tolerated.
Tip: The relationship between light and temperature is important for the growth of the Schefflera. If the aralia is too warm or too dark, it tends to wilt - that is, it forms long shoots with few leaves. For a compact growth, the cooler temperatures of 18 to 20 °C should therefore be maintained or the lighting improved. A plant lamp can be used for this, for example.
When planting the radiate aria, it is best to use a high-quality soil, such as our Plantura organic potting soil. It retains its structure over a long period of time and can therefore store water and nutrients for a long time and make them available to the plant. The expanded clay it contains ensures good permeability. First fill the pot with a drainage layer made of coarse material so that the water can always run off and there is no waterlogging. This is followed by a layer of soil on which the root ball of the Schefflera is placed. Finally, all gaps are filled with substrate and gently pressed down so that the radiant macaw gets a good hold.
Fully saturate the substrate with water afterwards. However, everything that runs out of the vessel must be removed. To do this, it makes sense to immerse the pot, and do so until no more bubbles rise. Then everything must drain well.
In addition to being kept in soil, the Schefflera is also suitable for hydroponics. However, hydroponics requires the use of mineral fertilizers and is therefore not necessarily recommended.
Wintering of the radiate aria
Proper overwintering is not only important for he althy Schefflera growth, but also for flowering. The radiant aralie is prescribed a rest period in the cold season. It should then be in a bright and cool place at around 12 to 16 °C. Pour into thisTime also less, but do not let the root ball stand completely dry. There is no fertilizer at all during the winter break. After the rest period, the radiant macaw begins the growth phase again in the spring. This is then the perfect time to repot, cut and propagate the Schefflera.
Is the schefflera poisonous?
The Schefflera is slightly poisonous, especially to pets. It contains oxalate crystals, which cannot be broken down by cats and dogs and lead to symptoms of poisoning after consumption. Skin contact should be avoided to be on the safe side, the plant must not be eaten. Place the radiant aria out of the reach of children and pets.
Not only the radiant aralie can impress with its extraordinary leaves, the Alocasia zebrina also comes up with a special leaf decoration. How to plant and care for an Alocasia zebrina, read our article.