I have a Schefflera, Umbrella Tree. This thing is 9feet and still growing.I cant fit it through the door when I bring it in so it does not freez so I drag it into the garage. It lost a few top leaves in the process. Anyway, can you prune one of these things or is that a no no. I have a feeling its a no no. It looks like this ; http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/interiorscape/brassaiaact.html Except mine is a LOT biger and growing at a slanted angle in a big pot.
Hi Zolaris, It isn't recommended to 'top' a tree, but in this case it is probably necessary. Besides, if you don't do something, you'll either have to purchase a house with cathedral ceilings or move to a warmer climate and plant it outside! ;) I have a ficus that was given to me and was topped. I've had it for about 20 years now and it's doing just fine. Newt
You are very welcome. If you need sites that show how to make the pruning cuts, just let me know. Newt
Hi ZOL why not try layering the top portion and if it roots you will have 2 in years to come. regards Doug
Just got back from first visit to Honolulu in about 10 years. Awful pruning of all manner of trees and shrubs, including the kind you have, is rampant there. It will surely grow back from being whacked, but it will not look the same. Layering of and replacement of tall, stemmy houseplants is probably the best approach, whenever feasible.
Hi Ron, It's the same in South America where the temps allow for a growing season that is 12 months of the year. They prune plants to death, literally! Problem is that most of the folks doing the pruning don't seem to have a clue as to how to properly prune and shrubs and trees look pathetic. Newt
Hi Newt, I would really appreciate it if you would share some of the sites on pruning cuts you mentioned. Thanks.
Hi Windupbird, Here's some sites that you should find helpful. All these sites are in the US, but in checking a hardiness zone map for China, I get you as hardiness zone 7, the same as mine in Maryland. http://pubs.caes.uga.edu/caespubs/pubcd/B949-W.HTMl http://www.na.fs.fed.us/spfo/pubs/howtos/ht_prune/prun001.htm http://www.hort.purdue.edu/ext/HO-4.pdf Lots of pruning info here if you click on the left. http://hort.ifas.ufl.edu/woody/pruning/index.htm These are for conifers. http://www.emmitsburg.net/gardens/articles/frederick/2003/prune_evergreen.htm http://www.conifersociety.org/cs/mo...&POSTNUKESID=6992a8935f54613ab0e0687804397b4f Narrowleaf evergreens and evergreen shrubs. http://www.orchardsedge.com/article.jsp?article=narrowleaf.jsp http://www.ext.vt.edu/departments/envirohort/factsheets2/shrubs/feb88pr2.html http://www.rhs.org.uk/advice/profiles0601/pruning_pyracantha.asp http://www.ext.colostate.edu/pubs/garden/07827.html More shrub pruning. http://www.gardenseeker.com/pruning/pruning_made_easy.htm If you need info on pruning hedges, in addition to what is included at the above sites, just let me know. I also have info on pruning rhododendron, abelia, spirea, forsythia, roses, fruit trees, olives, broom and daphne. Newt
In my experience, as commercial grower of the Schefflera, cut them back. Right back on the ground and watch it grow back as a bushy new plant. surprisingly so!!!
