Overview:
Schefflera barteri (Seem.) Harms var. urostachya auct., also known as Schefflera arboricola, is a popular evergreen houseplant that belongs to the family Araliaceae. It is native to Taiwan, Hainan, and southern Japan. This plant is popularly known as the dwarf umbrella tree due to its compact size and the arrangement of its leaves that resembles an umbrella.
Appearance:
Schefflera barteri has a unique, attractive, and lush appearance. The plant has oval-shaped leaves that are around 4-6 cm long and 2-3.5 cm broad. The leaves are dark green and glossy, with seven to ten leaflets arranged in an umbrella shape. It has a woody stem that grows up to 4 meters long in the wild but is trimmed to maintain its size as a houseplant. The plant develops small white or yellowish flowers when mature, but they are not noticeable when indoors.
Uses:
Schefflera barteri is commonly grown as a houseplant and is often used in offices and homes for decoration purposes. It helps purify the air, making it an excellent choice for indoor gardens. Additionally, it is water-efficient, meaning it does not require frequent watering, making it easier to maintain. Schefflera barteri is not only aesthetically pleasing, but it is also a symbol of good luck, making it an ideal gift.
Common Names:
Schefflera barteri is known by various common names, including dwarf umbrella tree, Schefflera arboricola, parasol plant, octopus tree, and umbrella plant. Its common name, dwarf umbrella tree, is derived from the umbrella-like arrangement of its leaves. Its other names, such as octopus tree and parasol plant, are attributed to its unique appearance.
Light Requirements
The Schefflera barteri (Seem.) Harms var. urostachya auct. generally prefers high levels of indirect sunlight. Direct sunlight can be too harsh for the plant and may result in scorching of leaves. It is best to place the plant near a window or in an area that receives bright, filtered light. Providing too little light can cause the plant to grow slowly or even wither.
Temperature Requirements
The Schefflera barteri (Seem.) Harms var. urostachya auct. thrives in warm temperatures ranging from 60°F-85°F (15°C-30°C). It is important to keep the plant in a location that is not exposed to cold drafts or hot air blowing from radiators or heating systems. Exposure to very low temperatures can damage the leaves and cause the plant to die.
Soil Requirements
The Schefflera barteri (Seem.) Harms var. urostachya auct. prefers well-draining soils that are rich in organic matter. The soil pH should range between 6-7.5. A good soil mix for this plant can be made by combining equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite. The plant should also be fertilized every 2-3 months using a balanced fertilizer that is high in nitrogen.
Cultivation Methods:
Schefflera barteri (Seem.) Harms var. urostachya auct. is an evergreen shrub native to West Africa and is an excellent houseplant. It can grow up to 10 feet, but in indoor environments, it usually grows between 4-5 feet. The plant prefers bright light, but direct sunlight can damage the foliage, so place it near a window with indirect light. The temperature range should be between 60-75°F.
It grows best in well-draining soil, so make sure to use a pot with a drainage hole. You can use a mix of peat, loam, sand, and perlite. Repotting should be done once every two to three years.
Watering Needs:
The Schefflera barteri (Seem.) Harms var. urostachya auct. prefers evenly moist soil, so water it once a week. Test the soil with your finger, and if it feels dry, give it a thorough watering. Make sure not to overwater the plant as it can lead to root rot. Using a pot with a drainage hole will prevent water from getting stuck in the soil.
Fertilization:
During the growing season, which is from spring to fall, fertilize the plant once a month with a balanced liquid fertilizer. Make sure not to over-fertilize as it can damage the plant. During the winter months, reduce the frequency of fertilization to once every two months.
Pruning:
To maintain its shape and size, prune the Schefflera barteri (Seem.) Harms var. urostachya auct. during the spring season. You can also prune the plant to remove damaged or yellowing leaves. Use clean and sharp pruning shears to make a clean cut, and avoid cutting too close to the stem. If the plant gets too tall, you can trim the stem to the desired height. Propagate the cuttings to create new plants.
Propagation of Schefflera barteri var. urostachya
Schefflera barteri var. urostachya is commonly propagated using both stem cuttings and air layering. These methods have proven to be highly successful and reliable for propagating the plant.
Propagation by Stem Cuttings
Stem cuttings are collected from healthy, mature plants and should be at least 3-4 inches in length with several leaves attached. The bottom of the stem is dipped into rooting hormone powder, and then the stem is planted in a well-draining potting mix. The cutting is kept in a bright, humid location and watered regularly until new growth appears.
Propagation by Air Layering
Air layering is another reliable propagation method for Schefflera barteri var. urostachya. This method involves making a small cut in the stem of the plant, and then wrapping it with moist sphagnum moss. Plastic wrap is then wrapped around the moss to keep it in place and maintain humidity. Roots will eventually grow from the cut area, and once they are well-established, the newly rooted plant can be cut away from the parent plant and potted in soil.
Both propagation methods have high success rates and can be done at any time of the year, although spring and summer are the best times to propagate Schefflera barteri var. urostachya.
Disease Management
Schefflera barteri (Seem.) Harms var. urostachya auct. is usually a healthy and robust plant, but it can sometimes experience diseases that affect its growth and appearance. The most common diseases that affect this plant are fungal infections, which can cause leaf drop, discoloration, and stunted growth.
To manage fungal infections, it is important to keep the plant clean and dry, especially around the leaves. Avoid overhead irrigation and remove any dead leaves or plant debris regularly. Fungicides can also be used to treat infections, but it is important to follow the instructions on the label and apply them at the recommended frequency.
Pest Management
Schefflera barteri (Seem.) Harms var. urostachya auct. can also be affected by a few pests that can damage the leaves and stems. The most common pests that affect this plant are spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects.
To manage these pests, it is important to inspect the plant regularly for signs of infestation, such as webbing, small white dots, or brown bumps on the leaves and stems. Spider mites can be removed by gently wiping the leaves with a damp cloth, while mealybugs and scale insects can be treated with insecticidal soap or horticultural oil. It is important to follow the instructions on the label and apply the treatment as recommended.
Prevention is also important in managing pests, and this can be achieved by removing any dead leaves, avoiding overwatering, and providing adequate ventilation around the plant.
