Schefflera barteri auct.
Schefflera barteri auct. is a species of evergreen shrub belonging to the family Araleceae. It is native to tropical regions of Africa, including Cameroon, Gabon, and Nigeria. The plant is commonly known as African schefflera, dwarf umbrella tree, and octopus tree.
General Appearance
The African schefflera is a multi-stemmed shrub that can grow up to 5 meters in height. It has a dense growth habit and produces large palmate leaves with either five or seven leaflets. The leaves are glossy and can be up to 20 centimeters in length. The plant produces small, inconspicuous flowers that are followed by small, fleshy drupes that are usually red or black in color.
Uses
The African schefflera is a popular ornamental plant that is often used as a houseplant or for landscaping. It is useful for providing shade and is often planted in gardens or parks. Its dense growth habit and large leaves also make it useful as a privacy screen. In traditional African medicine, the leaves of Schefflera barteri auct. are used to treat a range of ailments, including coughs, colds, and fever. The plant is also used in the production of traditional crafts.
Light requirements
Schefflera barteri is a shade-loving plant that thrives in bright but indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves of the plant, so it's best to provide filtered light through a sheer curtain or by placing the plant a few feet away from a sunny window.
Temperature requirements
Schefflera barteri prefers temperatures between 60-75°F (16-24°C) during the day and around 50-55°F (10-13°C) at night. The plant is sensitive to cold drafts, so it should be kept away from windows and doors that are frequently opened.
Soil requirements
Well-draining soil is essential for Schefflera barteri's growth. The soil should hold moisture but not become waterlogged as this can lead to root rot. A mixture of peat moss and perlite or sand can be suitable for this plant. It's also important to use a pot with sufficient drainage holes to prevent any excess water from sitting in the soil.
Cultivation methods for Schefflera barteri auct.
Schefflera barteri auct. is a tropical plant that is native to West Africa and can grow up to 20 feet tall. It's a drought-tolerant plant, and it thrives well in well-draining fertile soil and medium humidity. This plant is suited for both indoor and outdoor cultivation. For outdoor cultivation, the ideal temperature is about 70-80°F, while indoor cultivation thrives under moderate temperatures ranging between 60-80°F.
Watering Needs for Schefflera barteri auct.
The Schefflera barteri auct. should be watered consistently to keep the soil moist but not water-logged. The soil should be checked weekly to determine if more water is needed. The amount of water required will vary depending on the environmental conditions. During the dry season, more frequent watering may be required, while less water may be needed during the rainy season. Generally, it's best to water once or twice a week but avoid over-watering the plant.
Fertilization for Schefflera barteri auct.
Fertilization is essential for the growth and development of Schefflera barteri auct. Regular fertilization will promote healthy growth, improve its disease resistance capacity, and increase its foliage. For this plant, a 20-20-20 water-soluble fertilizer is recommended. Fertilization should be done every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) and reduced during the dormant season (Fall and winter).
Pruning for Schefflera barteri auct.
Pruning is an essential aspect of Schefflera barteri auct. management. It promotes bushy growth, removes diseased or dead branches, and helps the plant to maintain its shape. Pruning should be done during early spring or late fall when the plant is experiencing less active growth. Sharp and sterilized pruning shears should be used for the process. Pruning should be done in moderation, as over-pruning can lead to damage or stunted growth.
Propagation of Schefflera barteri auct.
Schefflera barteri auct., also known as the dwarf umbrella tree, is a popular houseplant native to Brazil and commonly grown for its attractive foliage. The plant can be propagated through various methods such as seeds, stem cuttings, and air layering.
Propagation by seeds
The seeds of Schefflera barteri auct. are small and must be sown in a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist but not wet, and the pot should be placed in a warm, bright location but away from direct sunlight. It can take several weeks for the seeds to germinate, and once they do, they may take up to a year to develop into a mature plant.
Propagation by stem cuttings
The stem cuttings method is the most common way of propagating Schefflera barteri auct. It involves taking a cutting from the parent plant with a sharp, clean tool, leaving at least two leaves and a node on the stem. The cut end should be dipped in rooting hormone and then planted into a well-draining soil mix. The soil should be kept moist, and the cutting should be placed in a bright, warm location but away from direct sunlight. Roots should develop in a few weeks, and the new plant can be transplanted into a larger container after a few months.
Propagation by air layering
Air layering is a more advanced propagation method that involves creating a small wound on a side branch of the parent plant and applying rooting hormone. A damp sphagnum moss is then wrapped around the wounded area, and then the whole area is wrapped in plastic to keep the moisture in. Roots should develop in a few weeks, and the new plant can be separated from the parent plant and transplanted into a larger container after a few months. This method is a bit more complex and may take a bit longer but is a great way to produce a new plant that is genetically identical to the parent plant.
Disease Management
Schefflera barteri can be prone to fungal diseases such as leaf spot, root rot, and powdery mildew. Leaf spot causes lesions on the leaves, root rot causes the roots to rot, and powdery mildew appears as a white powder on the leaves.
To manage leaf spot, affected leaves should be removed, and the plant should be kept dry by avoiding overhead watering. For root rot, the plant should be removed from the wet soil, and the roots should be trimmed and repotted in fresh, well-draining soil. Powdery mildew can be managed by improving air circulation and treating with a fungicide.
Pest Management
Schefflera barteri is susceptible to spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. Spider mites cause the leaves to become speckled with tiny yellow dots, mealybugs cling to the undersides of the leaves and produce a sticky residue, and scale insects appear as small brown bumps on the plant.
To manage spider mites, the plant should be misted with water regularly to increase humidity, and insecticidal soap can be used to treat the infested areas. Mealybugs and scale insects can be removed by hand or with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Neem oil or insecticidal soap can also be used to treat these pests.
Regular monitoring and prompt action against diseases and pests can help keep Schefflera barteri healthy and thriving.
