The variegated umbrella plant (Schefflera arboricola) is a popular houseplant known for its striking foliage. It is native to Taiwan and Hainan Island in China and belongs to the Araliaceae family. The plant is also known as dwarf umbrella tree, parasol plant or octopus tree. The variegated version of this plant has leaves with green and yellow patterns that create a beautiful contrast.
If you are a fan of this plant, you might want to try growing it from seeds. This guide will provide you with all the information you need to store, sow and germinate variegated umbrella plant seeds.
The first step in growing variegated umbrella plants from seeds is to obtain the seeds. You can either buy them from a reputable seller or collect them from mature plants. If you choose to collect them, make sure the plants are healthy and disease-free.
Once you have the seeds, you need to store them properly to ensure their viability. Variegated umbrella plant seeds have a short shelf life, so it’s essential to store them correctly.
The best way to store these seeds is in a cool, dry place. You can use airtight containers such as ziplock bags or glass jars with tight-fitting lids. Make sure the containers are labeled with the date of collection and the plant’s name.
Store the seeds at room temperature away from direct sunlight and moisture. Do not freeze them as this can damage the seeds.
When sowing variegated umbrella plant seeds, it’s essential to use good quality seed-starting soil that is well-drained. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged.
You can either sow the seeds indoors or outdoors depending on the climate in your area. If you live in a cold climate, it’s best to start the seeds indoors and transplant them outside when the weather warms up.
To sow the seeds, make small holes in the soil and place the seeds inside. Cover the seeds with a thin layer of soil and water gently. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged.
Variegated umbrella plant seeds can take anywhere from 2-6 weeks to germinate. During this time, it’s essential to keep the soil moist and warm. You can cover the container with plastic wrap to retain moisture.
Once the seeds have germinated, remove the plastic wrap and place the container in a bright location, but out of direct sunlight. Keep the soil moist and fertilize every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer.
As the seedlings grow, you can transplant them into individual pots or outside in your garden. Variegated umbrella plants prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Q: Can I grow variegated umbrella plants from cuttings instead of seeds?
A: Yes, variegated umbrella plants can be propagated from stem cuttings. Choose healthy stems and make sure they have at least one node. Remove the lower leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone before planting in well-draining soil.
Q: How often should I water my variegated umbrella plant?
A: Variegated umbrella plants prefer moist but not waterlogged soil. Water them when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
Q: Do variegated umbrella plants need fertilizer?
A: Yes, variegated umbrella plants should be fertilized every two weeks with a balanced fertilizer during the growing season.
Q: Can variegated umbrella plants be grown outdoors?
A: Yes, variegated umbrella plants can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 9-11. They prefer bright, indirect light and well-draining soil.
Q: How tall do variegated umbrella plants grow?
A: Variegated umbrella plants can grow up to 6 feet tall if grown in optimal conditions. However, they can be pruned to maintain a smaller size.