A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2004 How do I braid a Schefflera tree?

I have looked everywhere on how to braid a schefflera tree. I bought one from a greenhouse and 2 of the 3 stalks died. Now I want to start one on my own and have no clue how to do it.

I have a ton to do today, but tomorrow I'll post pictures on how to start one, it's not hard.

All you have to do is take a small sprouting limb and break it off close to the trunk, then dab in root toner and plant and water, it'll look a little wilty, but I have made several off mine. Once they start rooting they'll do fine. Have also just stuck in the dirt and they grow

Thanks Super Gardner. I really appreciate that. Although I have no idea what root toner is or where to get it. I'm afraid I'm just learning to about plants . You may have to walk me through it.

you don't really need the root toner, here's what you do.

Look for a sprout from the trunk part of the plant (it'll be toward the bottom of the plant)

should look like this
[img]http://images.snapfish.com/3426869923232%7Ffp7%3Enu%3D3238%3E637%3E44%3B%3EWSNRCG%3D32327%3B379243%3Cnu0mrj[/img]

now, getting as close the the trunk as you can just snap that off. and plant it in some dirt, you can use regular dirt, or potting soil mix, I have started with both, then just water 2 to 3 days in a row (amount of water will depent on size of pot. I start mine in one gallon size and water one 8 oz glass water 3 days in a row then cut water to watering about once a week once for 2 weeks, the water when soil is dry to touch.

you can not do a regular limb it has to be a sprout from the trunk. I guess they are sort of like a sucker from a tree.

Thanks, Belinda! That's probably why I've never been successful in rooting scheffleras...I've tried from stalks taken when pruning.
I'll try one from the bottom trunk - wish me luck and I'll keep you posted!

this works pretty good. I usually have all my suckers picked off, but haven't potted any up this winter just don't have the room. I'll probably just start some in the yard next spring.

do you get alot of the suckers on down on your lower trunk?

I haven't had any trouble rooting stalks cut from the ends of long branches. But you have to get them when they're still young and green and not woody.

Larry