Szefler Scheffler comes from tropical and subtropical areas of Asia, Australia and New Guinea, where it grows in a tree or shrub form. It belongs to the araliaceae family. The genus includes several species grown as houseplants with decorative leaves. Unfortunately, he doesn't flower with us. Florists offer, among others, Umbrella Headlera, Arachnid Headlera and Refined Headlera, and numerous varieties with dark green leaves, with irregular yellow spots, with wavy, indented edges of the lamina or yellow-edged. Depending on the species and variety, the chef's head reaches 1.2-5 m in height. It has long-tailed palmate complex leaves consisting of 7-16 leaflets.Leathery and shiny leaves are up to 30 cm long and create beautiful umbrellas.
Szeflera feels good in almost every apartmentand tolerates deviating from optimal conditions. Prefers sunny positions with diffused light. It also grows well in shaded places. It should be remembered that varieties with variegated leaves have higher light requirements. He likes a lot of air, but does not tolerate drafts. The recommended cultivation temperature is 16-20ºC. In winter, during the dormant period (October to February), the temperature should be lowered to 13-18ºC and the plant should be provided with plenty of light. In summer, when the air temperature rises above 24ºC, ventilation must be increased. We water the scheffler 2-3 times a week in summer and keep the substrate constantly moist. In winter, we water it once a week. Plants prefer humid air, so you should sprinkle the leaves with soft water all year round (twice a week). In a centrally heated dry room, it is worth placing the pot on a stand filled with stones and water.Headlera is perfect for hydroponic growing.
During the growth period (in summer), feed the plants with a reduced dose of liquid fertilizer every 14 days. In autumn and winter, once a month is enough. Leaf rinse aid can be used if necessary, but no more than once a month.
Young plants with increments of up to 30 cm per year are transplanted even twice a year. Older specimens require a container change once a year, every two years or less. They may need stakes. We slow down the growth of plants by cutting the shoots to the point where the leaf grows, while pinching the tops is conducive to branching. A high-growing plant can be obtained by cutting the top of an older specimen - then a crown will form.
Scheffler is propagated by sowing seeds,air beds or apical cuttings. You can also root the leaves in water with the addition of fertilizer. In order for the cuttings to grow faster and take root more easily, cut the top with at least three fully developed leaves.Rooting is carried out in a mixture of peat and sand at a temperature of 22-25 ° C (the substrate should be heated).
Headlera is an ideal plant for busy people. It is especially recommended for decorating large, cool verandas, landings, bright corridors, winter gardens and flower windows in apartments and offices. It looks great in combination with other plants. It can be shaped as a bonsai. It absorbs toxic substances from the air well, but beware - it contains substances that irritate the skin and mucous membranes.
Lack of light may cause the loss of the variegated color of the leaves in cultivars. Plants with a dry substrate hang their leaves and are flaccid (you can put the pot in a container filled with water for 10-15 minutes). When they are too wet, the leaves turn yellow, hang down and fall off. Too high temperature causes yellowing of the leaves and inhibition of growth or stretching of the stems and lengthening of internodes. When the air is too dry, the edges of the leaves dry up and pests appear more often (for example mealybugs, scales and cups, aphids, spider mites).When it is too cold - green leaves fall. Pale or yellow leaves indicate the need to feed the plants. Don't worry when young plants develop leaves with fewer leaflets (so-called juvenile leaves). This is normal.
