Scefflera Gold Capella

Class

Dicotyledons

Division

Angiospermae

Family

Araliaceae

Order

Apiales

Genus

Schefflera

Species

arboreal

Description

Evergreen perennial plant of high ornamental value due to its dense foliage with palmate-compound leaves, glossy green or two-coloured depending on the variety. Depending on the climatic conditions required, it is mainly used as a green indoor plant for pots and planters or, in Mediterranean areas with a warm temperate climate, to decorate gardens both in tubs and in the ground. It is easy to cultivate if the correct cultivation conditions are guaranteed, such as the use of a specific substrate with excellent draining capacity and watering without water stagnation.

Variety description

Plant with decorative yellow-green foliage. It is suitable as a houseplant and also as a hedge plant in Mediterranean climates. In the home it can also be kept in cold areas as it withstands low temperatures well. Also an excellent plant for terraces or sheltered areas. Can bear an inflorescence but only after several years of life.

Curiosities and special features

The botanical genus, Schefflera, was dedicated to the 18th century German botanist Jacob Christoph Scheffler, while the specific epithet is derived from arbor meaning tree and colo meaning inhabit as Schefflera arboricola is also an epiphytic species.

Origin and distribution

Species native to the humid tropical biome of East Asia, particularly Hainan Island and Taiwan; it was first described in 1919.

Leaf

The leaves, evergreen and ornamental, have a palmate lamina with a pointed or rounded apex.

Flowering period

from early summer to early autumn for a duration of 60 to 90 days. Flowering occurs predominantly in the native territorial range of the species.

Inflorescence

Inflorescence. It develops terminal panicle-like inflorescences that rise above the foliage.

Leaf colour

Two-tone shades, with high ornamental value.

Plant height

The height of the plant varies from 0.8 to 2.5 m, depending on cultivation conditions.

Lifespan

Evergreen Perennial Species.

Where to plant

In relation to the climatic conditions present, it is suitable for giving a distinctive ornamental accent as a pot plant , Planters, Hedges, Indoor pots.

Stem

The stems are herbaceous, semi-woody and glabrous, with smooth bark; the variety has no thorns.

Flower

It flowers from early summer to early autumn, with a flowering period of 60 to 90 days. It has bitter notes and is unscented, with a fruity aroma.

Growth

Medium-vigorous Growth plant.

Plant habit

It presents an erect habitus with compact foliage.

Branching

It develops Medium branching.

PH

It requires a medium with a slightly acidic pH, with optimum values between 5.8 and 6.7.

Soil preparation

In Mediterranean climates with mild winters, the Schefflera arboricola can be grown outdoors in the open ground. Transplant in mid to late spring, removing any weeds and bulky stones beforehand. It is advisable to break up the soil using a hoe in order to achieve greater softness.

Sun exposure

It adapts to different types of light exposures and is suitable as an indoor plant in the cold season, half shade, full sun. It is recommended to avoid direct sunlight during the hottest summer period in order to prevent the leaves from bleaching.

Ideal climate and temperature

The ideal temperature is between 18 and 35 °C. The vital temperature is between 5 and 45 °C. It adapts very well indoors, both in warm and dry areas as well as in dark and cold areas.

Use

In relation to climatic conditions, it is appreciated as a plant for:

Outdoor ornamental environment Indoor ornamental use

In temperate Mediterranean climate zones where it does not freeze, it can be used as a hedge plant outdoors, either in tubs or in the ground.

Hardiness

Under the right cultivation conditions, it expresses medium-high rusticity.

Soil

Use a substrate specifically for green pot plants, of high quality and with excellent drainage capacity, containing blond peat and brown peat.

Difficulty

Under the right environmental conditions, cultivation of Schefflera is fairly easy; the level of effort required for maintenance is low, giving the plant additional value in use.

Growing tips

Some useful cultivation tips, specific to Schefflera:

Keep the substrate dry at low temperatures Keep the substrate moist at all times Put outside when there is no longer a risk of frost Prefers warm and humid climate

Planting

For possible cultivation in the open ground, if climatic conditions permit, apply an average density of 2 plants per square metre. Transplant by completely burying the root ball.

Propagation

Propagation can be by layering and by node cuttings.

Watering

Do not waterlogging by causing water saturation of the medium and avoid waterlogging, especially in the lower part of the soil bed. With strong water changes the roots can rot due to dehydration and then over-watering.

Do not let the soil loaf dry out in hot weather to avoid defoliation of the plant in the basal part.

Fertilising

It does not need abundant fertilisation. For adult plants fertilise at the foot with a balanced slow-release fertiliser, or regularly with periodic fertirrigation. Reduce fertilisation in the autumn-winter period.

Pet safety

Toxic.

Edibility for humans

Non-edible.

Toxicity for humans

Toxic if swallowed. Wear gloves when handling as it can cause contact dermatitis.

Tip

Whether indoors or outdoors, avoid stagnating water on the underside of the pot or poorly draining soil. On adult plants fertilise with slow-release fertilisers, or regularly with weekly potting.