Houseplant of the week

Schefflera (dwarf umbrella tree)

Channel the best of the Eighties with the leafy evergreen wonder of the houseplant world. Reasonably inexpensive and available in a range of sizes, as bonsai and even growing on rocks, the dwarf umbrella tree is as versatile as houseplants come. Schefflera have long been a common sight along the first-floor promenades of shopping centres up and down the UK, as well as hiding away in the corners of libraries, banks and offices.

PROPAGATION

It’s best to take cuttings in spring or summer. You’ll need fresh, peat-free, organic multi-purpose compost, a pot and a clear plastic bag.

Take a cutting from a section of the main stem at a “node”, where you’ll see an aerial root and a leaf at the same point. Bury the whole aerial root in a pot with drainage holes, with the stem sitting just on top of the compost. Firm around the root, water immediately and tie the bag over the pot to create a greenhouse effect as the cutting develops roots. Remove it for an hour every few days so the air doesn’t stagnate and to water if the compost is dry. In four to six weeks your plant should have rooted.

George Hudson is head of plants and education at Walworth Garden. Follow the garden on Instagram @walworthgarden