Cheflera (Schefflera actinophylla)

If you like tropical-looking trees that grow fast and can be had in rather small gardens, I highly recommend you to the Schefflera actinophylla, an evergreen plant that has great ornamental value.

It is not difficult to care for; in fact, I myself have one in the garden that pretty much stands on its own, so if you don't have a lot of time for it, don't worry. Dare to know her.

Origin and characteristics

Our protagonist is an arboreal plant whose scientific name is Schefflera actinophylla. It is native to the rainforests of Australia, New Guinea, and Java. It reaches a height of 15 meters, with compound leaves that are grouped in number of 7. It usually has a multiple trunk, but if it is pruned it can be had with a single trunk.

Blooms in early summer, but it usually lasts until mid / late season. The flowers are grouped in clusters up to 2 meters long.

What are their cares?

If you want to have a copy, we recommend that you provide it with the following care:

• Location: outside, in full sun.
• Irrigation:
  • Pot: 2 times a week in summer, and every 6-7 days the rest of the year.
  • Garden: during the first year it will be necessary to water 2-3 times a week in summer and every 7-9 days the rest; From the second year on, 2-3 monthly irrigations will suffice.
• Subscriber: from spring to summer it is advisable to fertilize with organic fertilizers (guano, compost, mulch, ...) once a month.
• Multiplication: by seeds in spring and by cuttings in spring-summer.
• Planting or transplanting time: in spring. In case of having it in a pot, it should be transplanted every 2 years.
• Pests: it is usually attacked by mealybugs, which can be eliminated with diatomaceous earth (you can get it here) or with an anti-scale insecticide.
• Rusticity: withstands cold and frosts down to -1ºC.

What did you think of Schefflera actinophylla?