Melinda's Garden Moment Radio Tips

Melinda Myers

Nationally known gardening expert, TV/Radio host, author & columnist with over 30 years of horticulture experience and tons of gardening information to share! www.melindamyers.com

Melinda's Garden Moment videos will help you create that beautiful landscape you’ve always wanted. Each week throughout the growing season, a new gardening video will be added right here, so be sure to stop back. You can also watch Melinda’s Garden Moments on your local network TV station affiliate.

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When looking for a large, graceful, and easy-to-grow houseplant consider a Schefflera, also known as umbrella plant.

This tropical beauty can grow 8 to 10 feet tall and half as wide indoors. The shorter dwarf schefflera grows 4 to 6 feet high and wide.

Place it in a bright location for best results. Water thoroughly when the top inch of soil is dry. And don’t let the plant sit in excess water that can lead to root rot.

Schefflera prefers warm temperatures between 65 and 70 degrees and leaves turn black and drop when the plant is exposed to temperatures of 50 degrees or colder. Avoid drafts of hot and cold air from heat and air conditioner vents, windows, and doors that can cause leaf drop.

Keep it out of the reach of cats and dogs as this plant causes intense mouth and throat discomfort when eaten.

A bit more information: Watch for mites, mealybugs, and scale. Keeping your schefflera healthy will reduce the risk of these pests moving in and harming your plant. Mist your schefflera occasionally to remove dust and manage small populations of mites and aphids. And if more control is needed, apply organic Summit® Year-Round® Spray Oil to manage all stages of these pests. Check the label for timing and application rates.