Schefflera Arboricola Pruning?

JasonG

Hello everyone

I have recently come across a ARBORICOLA SCHEFFLERA (Hawaiian Umbrella, as I believe it is commonly called). The tree has 7 leaves per "bundle" (not sure what the correct name for that is) ... and several main branches.

Off each branch, there is probably a dozen or so stems which end up in the 7 leaf bundles.

My question is, I want to do a bit of shaping to the tree, as it is a tad bit over-grown. If I want to cut, where on the branch/stem/leaf bunch should I chop?

Thanks!

Jason

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Lui

Hi there on these trees you can cut just about anywhere you wish. I have cut them back drastically and it doesnt hurt them.
Lui

dbz12fan

Cut them wherever necessary.

__________________
"Success demands understanding"-Andy Rutledge

Charles Bevan
Vero Beach, Fl

Bonsai-gecko

The aboricola's leaves consist of several leaflets as you describe. The "stem" as you refer to it is part of the leaf. It will not brach or grow from thi part if cut. Instead it will enduce growth on the trunk/branch at the base of the stem.

You can cut them where ever nessecary for shaping. If however, you are looking to engourage new growth in certian areas or certian directions, then often the only way to get aboricola to branch is by cutting back the branch/trunk fairly hard.

Also, be advised that the sap from aboricola is mildly poisonous. It won't harm humans really... but may give you an irritation if it gets in an open wound. I know that it is quite toxic to cats however. While I'm not sure how likely a cat is to nibble on it..if you own a cat I'd recommend keeping a very close eye on it.

there is alot of info on aboricola at http://www.fukubonsai.com/ if you take the time to explore through the pages