Last year I received a schefflera as a friendly gesture from a customer that frequents my store
At the time it was given it was just a cutting that had been allowed to root in a red plastic party cup of water. It had thrown many roots but I just didnt know what I wanted to do with it since i was new to shall I say, all things plants 😉.
Then months after planting it in the above terracotta pot, I decided I wanted to try my hand at making it a bonsai. After all it did need a good pruning from the day it was given to me. I just didnt know much about proper pruning techniques and care. After google, plant forums, and youtube videos I got bold and pruned many leaves. Leaving some for photosynthesis to take place, a new branch began to form with leaves in very close intervals/nodules. I was so happy that the pruning went well! 😀
A few months later it was time for the next step to my schefflera bonsai. Quite hesitantly I chopped the plant in half with hopes to have the top half root 😧.
At least I could start again if the blow was too much for the main plant right? For at least 3 months (maybe more) i just knew it was all over for my plan. No roots had formed but oddly enough the top remained healthy and green. Not to mention the main plant had no new growth either. Just a naked stalk/stump
. Then in the beginning of March (i guess it was), the main plant began to rapidly grow 2 new branches
.
So the roots which had been buried in the terracotta I raised up in a smaller pot closer to the surface further preparing it for bonsai with hopes of aerial roots later on. Here it is just last week...
...And again tonight...
And just two weeks ago, the top half began rooting. Here it is last week
And now tonight before finally being able to pot it!
...and as it is now
Hoping the pruned leaves too will encourage new branching for balance.
I probably should have waited for the roots to get just a bit longer but I grew impatient out of excitement. 😄
And so this is what I did with my leggy schefflera. The best part is now I have two or perhaps a gift for someone else!
