schefflera houseplant flower - Ask Extension
Our schefflera houseplant was propagated in 2016 (using a stem/bud) from one we got in 1994. We needed a smaller plant, so it's in a small pot and rar...
Knowledgebase
schefflera houseplant flower #857679
Asked January 22, 2024, 6:03 PM EST
Our schefflera houseplant was propagated in 2016 (using a stem/bud) from one we got in 1994. We needed a smaller plant, so it's in a small pot and rarely puts out new leaves. But now it's made a lovely large flower. I read that the houseplants are typically at least 30 years old before they flower. This would fit the original 1994 plant's date. But we wonder how this fits our situation, because the new plant is much younger. Is it related to the age of the original plant? And why would this be the case?
Thank you!
Washington County Oregon
Expert Response
Thank you for your question. Once a plant has reached maturity, it will produce flowers at any age, depending on its environment. I can find no science that has a "30 year" guideline. There are several common varieties of schefflera, and I don't know which yours is without a photo (preferably of the flower). Here is an article about the species that may provide some help understanding what has encouraged it to flower: https://edis.ifas.ufl.edu/publication/ST585
I hope this is helpful. Good luck!
I hope this is helpful. Good luck!
Thanks for the information! Ours is a houseplant. I'll attach a couple of photos. And here is one of the few references I could find online regarding these houseplants flowering. About half-way through the posting is the section on flowers.
https://www.ourhouseplants.com/plants/umbrella-plant-schefflera
Any additional thoughts?
Cathy
https://www.ourhouseplants.com/plants/umbrella-plant-schefflera
Any additional thoughts?
Cathy
On 1/22/2024 3:29 PM, Ask Extension wrote:
Your plant appears to be this variety: https://plants.ces.ncsu.edu/plants/schefflera-arboricola/
I am afraid our advice is limited to science-based information, rather than commercial sources. The North Carolina article indicates they rarely flower under indoor conditions (light). A 'houseplant' indicates only that the species will not survive in our (cold) climate. Perhaps you got it outdoors under sunlight at some time, and it could produce blooms.
I am afraid our advice is limited to science-based information, rather than commercial sources. The North Carolina article indicates they rarely flower under indoor conditions (light). A 'houseplant' indicates only that the species will not survive in our (cold) climate. Perhaps you got it outdoors under sunlight at some time, and it could produce blooms.
