Umbrella tree clumpers.

[Eckhoffw]

This plant is thriving, so I Wanted to document the progression of this Lowe’s arbicola I got last winter.

when I got it


Teased out the roots.

repot with 50% original soil and 50% bonsai mix
Put it in a plastic comforter bag for a week.
Realized I may be in for problems, so I ditched the bag.
Today I took a shot of its growth.
And also noticed what looks to be aerial roots forming!

It will be going into the house under lights soon so I hope I can keep them roots pushing’!

 

[sorce]

will be going into the house under lights soon so I hope I can keep them roots pushing’!

I think you should know those roots will keep pushing and start redirecting them, even if it means some break.

I been running into this problem where, setting up auto water for vacation leads to aerial roots already to off to make right by the time I return.

Bread ties can be used to gently guide them.

I think it's also important to remember to keep inverse taper to a minimum too, which would mean removing or slowing the growth of ones higher up.

Sorce

 

[Eckhoffw]

I think you should know those roots will keep pushing and start redirecting them, even if it means some break.

I been running into this problem where, setting up auto water for vacation leads to aerial roots already to off to make right by the time I return.

Bread ties can be used to gently guide them.

I think it's also important to remember to keep inverse taper to a minimum too, which would mean removing or slowing the growth of ones higher up.

Sorce

Thank you!
Definitely would not have occurred to me till it was too late.

 

[Eckhoffw]

So this umbrella tree was just getting unruly & out of control.
It has been growing well indoors & touching the grow lights for a while. I decided that Instead of raising the lights up further, I better just cut this thing back and allow light to the lower areas
Here are some pics before pruning.
Aerial roots start off well but then dry up. Must not be humid enough for them.

 

[Eckhoffw]

After the chops.

 

[Eckhoffw]

Hacked back this shefflera hard.

Looking at these pics, I wish Inwould have cut lower on a couple trunks. The one at the far right needs to be chopped lower. Any thoughts?

 

[Eckhoffw]

Just went ahead and cut that right trunk down a bit.

 

[MHBonsai]

To my eye the thickest trunks should be the tallest…if it was mine I’d cut it back a little further.

Great move going big and making the chops!

 

[Eckhoffw]

To my eye the thickest trunks should be the tallest…if it was mine I’d cut it back a little further.

Great move going big and making the chops!

View attachment 502616

Yes. You are right! I had a hard time cutting back this much.
Either way, I’m taking your advice, and will chop them in line with your suggestion.
Thanks!

 

[Eckhoffw]

This is the last pic I forgot to post before I put the plant indoors for the winter. About a month ago.
I really like the results from the last hard chop.

 

[Eckhoffw]

Photo update today. Since the chop, i’ve only done minor pruning -cutting off shoots growing towards the center