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Learn How to Propagate an Umbrella Plant With These 3 Proven Techniques
July 16, 2024
The Umbrella tree is a one-of-a-kind and fast-growing plant, reaching up to 6ft. in height indoors. It's easy to care for and has attractive, oval-shaped leaves that add an elegant touch to your living space. And, like with other houseplants, it's possible to multiply it and create more Umbrella plants from a single plant. So, if you wonder how to propagate a Schefflera Gold Capella plant, you’ve come to the right place.
In this guide, we'll take a look at the three proven techniques for Umbrella plant propagation, and share with you some helpful post-propagation tips for your baby Scheffleras. Let's get started without further ado.
About Umbrella Plants
Umbrella plants, native to eastern Asia, are among the fastest-growing houseplants from the Araliaceae family. You can easily recognize these dramatic yet low-maintenance beauties by their glossy, variegated leaves that spread out like an umbrella. While Scheffleras thrive in bright, indirect light, they can also adapt well to low-light conditions, making them versatile for any indoor setting. They prefer temperatures between 65°F and 90°F and medium to high humidity.
In Feng Shui, Umbrella plants are believed to bring good luck and positive energy. Additionally, they act as natural air purifiers, helping to clean indoor air and enhance your living environment. Therefore, it's a good idea to propagate your Umbrella plant. Doing so not only expands your houseplant collection but also allows you to share this beneficial plant as a thoughtful gift, thereby spreading its positive influence even further.
Some beautiful Schefflera spp. varieties include the Australian Umbrella Tree, which has bright green, glossy leaves, and the miniature Dwarf Umbrella Tree, which grows to only 2ft. tall. Since they're easy to take care of, Umbrella plants are great for first-time plant parents.
Umbrella Tree Propagation: Tools You Need
You'll need the following tools and materials for your Umbrella tree propagation:
- Sharp knife, scissors, or pruning shears
- Well-draining potting soil mix
- New potting containers
- Rooting hormone (optional)
- Sphagnum moss
- Plastic wrap
- Waterproof tape
- Filtered or ‘overnight’ water at room temperature
Remember to sanitize your cutting tools with rubbing alcohol to prevent the spread of pests or diseases to new plants.
When to Propagate an Umbrella Plant
The timing of your Umbrella plant propagation plays a crucial role in its success. The best time to propagate an Umbrella plant is the active season, i.e. early spring or summer. Your young plants are more likely to establish strong roots faster during this period.
But if you miss this opportunity; don't worry, as your Umbrella plant can also propagate at other times of the year. It's just that the new roots will take longer to develop in this case.
How to Propagate an Umbrella Plant in 3 Easy Ways
Source: Reddit
An Umbrella plant can be propagated in three easy ways — by rooting healthy stem cuttings directly in the soil, placing them first in water, and then planting them in pots with soil, or via air-layering.
Let's see how each of these methods works.
1. Umbrella Plant Propagation From Stem Cuttings in Soil
A well-draining potting soil mix is the most ideal rooting medium for your Umbrella plant. This propagation technique is straightforward and less time-consuming. To complete the task, just follow the steps below:
- Take a healthy stem cutting from your parent Umbrella plant, ensuring it's at least 8-10 cm long.
- Dip the cut end in the rooting hormone and let it dry. Although an optional step, this will speed up the rooting process later.
- Layer fresh, well-draining potting soil mix in the new container, leaving about an inch of space between the soil surface and the pot's rim.
- Gently push each stem cutting into the soil, and pat the surrounding to remove the air gaps.
- Place the cuttings in a warm area with bright but indirect light. You may also cover them with a plastic wrap to raise the humidity.
With appropriate care and patience, the rooting should take place in a few weeks, ideally 3 to 4 weeks.
Umbrella Plant Propagation From Stem Cuttings in Water
Source: Reddit
You can also propagate your Umbrella tree stem cuttings in water by following these steps:
- Take 8-10 cm long stem cuttings from your Umbrella plant, and trim the bottom-end leaves, if needed.
- Fill a glass jar or container with water at room temperature, and place the cuttings into it.
- Move the jar to a warm, humid place with bright but indirect sunlight.
- Monitor over a few weeks until the new roots start showing up.
- Once the roots are at least 2.5 cm long, transplant the stem cutting into pots with soil.
Umbrella Plant Propagation by Air-Layering
The air-layering method of Umbrella plant propagation is commonly used for large and lanky plants.
- Choose a healthy branch and make a 1 to 1½ inches (2.5 to 4 cm) long slanted cut.
- Use a toothpick to hold the slit open and dust a rooting hormone into the wound.
- Soak the Sphagnum moss in water and wrap it around the wounded stem. Cover it with a plastic wrap to maintain the required moisture levels inside.
- Wait for at least 3 to 4 weeks before the delicate roots sprout near the edge of the Sphagnum moss.
- After you remove the moss and the plastic wrap from your parent Umbrella plant, cut the branch below the rooted section and plant it in the soil.
Propagating Umbrella Plants: Aftercare Tips
Young Umbrella plants are very delicate and may not survive if not taken care of. Below are some helpful post-propagation tips for best results:
- Use a well-draining and nutrient-rich soil mix to pot your young Umbrella plants. Ensure that the containers have a sufficient number of drainage holes at the bottom.
- Don't introduce your plant to bright light too early. First, place the saplings under filtered sunlight for a few weeks and gradually move them to a spot with brighter but indirect light.
- Overwatering your young Umbrella plant is a big no, as this may increase the risk of root rot. Instead, the best practice is to wait for the soil to dry between waterings.
- Use diluted liquid fertilizer to feed your plants once established during the growing season.
- Although Umbrella plants prefer medium humidity, you can mist occasionally your young plants if the indoor air is too dry.
Umbrella Plant Propagation: FAQs
Q: Where do you cut an Umbrella tree for propagation?
A: You should cut an Umbrella tree stem just below a leaf node for propagation. Choose a healthy stem with 5-6 leaves that is about 10 cm long and remove the bottom leaves if necessary.
Q: Do I need rooting hormones for air-layering?
A: Rooting hormone isn’t necessary for air-layering or other Umbrella plant propagation methods. However, it does speed up the rooting process.
Q: How long do Schefflera cuttings take to root?
A: With proper care and attention, your Schefflera cuttings should root within 3 to 4 weeks. Soil propagation usually produces stronger roots than rooting your plant in water.
Q: Can I propagate an Umbrella plant by division?
A: You can’t propagate an Umbrella tree by using the division technique, as the plant has only one main stem (the trunk). However, you can divide a larger section of a healthy, robust stem into pieces and root them in water or soil.
Q: How can I make my Umbrella plant grow faster?
A: You can make your Umbrella plant grow faster by watering it regularly, providing it with bright but indirect light, and feeding it with the right fertilizer. Your plant will also benefit from well-draining. And properly aerated soil mix.
Conclusion
You can propagate your Umbrella plant from stem cuttings by rooting them in soil or water. In addition, you can use the air-layering method if you own a mature large Umbrella tree. All these techniques are pretty easy, so you don’t need to be a seasoned plant grower to multiply your Schefflera plant. The key factor for successful propagation is to use a healthy stem and care for the cutting properly post-propagation.
To create an enchanting tropical indoor oasis, why not consider pairing your Umbrella plants with companions like the Golden Pothos or Spider plant? You'll enjoy a thriving and visually appealing green corner at your home or office that promotes tranquility and brings positive energy to your living or working environment.