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laticauda

Mini Schefflera leaf form

8 years ago

I've noticed that the old growth on the cuttings used to make my pot of Schefflera has very obtuse, rounded tips on the leaves but the new growth has more narrow leaf tips. How do I get it to have the properly rounded leaf tips or is this just a maturity issue?

Hopefully you can recognise that I'm talking about from the photos. This was supposed to show the new leaf shape in my hand versus the older leaves which may or may not have ended up too dark depending on the settings on your screen. That's why I have more pictures.

New leaflet.

old leaflet
also, I'm open to any other observations/recommendations y'all may have about the culture/care.

Comments (11)

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    I bought it from the store, four stalks in a 6 inch pot. The leaf change is consistent all the way around, the leaves grown in (whatever place they came from, probably a greenhouse before the store I bought it at) and on top, all of the new growth has this, I'd call it maybe an imperfection since it doesn't seem to be hindering or endangering the plant's health.

    One run on sentence later and I figure it's due to conditions. Is it possible this is a result of being cut back, the new leaves are less mature and therefore have a less bulbous leaf tip. OR is it something from being in the store and it'll outgrow it soon, probably under current care OR is it something wrong with my culture that I need to correct before it'll get the more perfect form of leaf tips?

    Could it be from being exposed to chilly temperatures near a window while growing? I didn't think of this since being afflicted by cold, from my understanding, exhibits with different symptoms.

  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Having a similar (but maybe different?) issue with my schefflera. Initial leaves were more oval but new growth is exclusively at the base of the plant with very wide leaves. I've been pretty stingy with watering throughout the cold Ohio winter but the plant is not too far from an overhead grow light.

    Older growth from November (when purchased):

    Newer growth:

    I've had one other schefflera that didn't grow this way. Has anyone else experienced this?

    laticauda thanked brwndot
  • 8 years ago
    last modified: 8 years ago

    Are the growth tips still in tact on the main stalks? Looks like the beginnings of new "branches" to me and I suspect the newer leaves, as the plant matures, will begin to get the typical appearance.

  • 8 years ago

    Growth tips are intact except for one. But the wider new growth is happening at the bases of all three main stalks. It's almost like a different plant.

    laticauda thanked brwndot
  • 8 years ago

    Laticauda: My dwarf scheff (PVN1) does exactly that. The new leaves are pointy and they become rounded as they mature. The variegated version (PVN3) is all pointy leaves.

    laticauda thanked tropicofcancer (6b SW-PA)
  • 8 years ago

    Interesting. So that's just typical for the cultivar?

    laticauda thanked brwndot
  • 8 years ago

    I think the plant is just maturing,but it'll be interesting to see if they do round out.

    laticauda thanked Ferdinan USDA zone 9
  • 8 years ago

    Nicole, did not notice the single rounded leaf pic you posted. That is even more interesting that it will do that. I have to keep a watch on mine to see if they ever do that.

    laticauda thanked tropicofcancer (6b SW-PA)
  • 8 years ago

    I believe Nicole's plant has what I would call primer leaves. They are immature and sprout in preparation for the more mature leaves/branches. You find similar when a pothos or philodendron is set back or even at the bottom of cabbage, broccoli, cauliflower.

  • 8 years ago

    So interesting. Little baby spinach leaves at the bottom of my schefflera! Will make sure growing conditions are more amenable to avoid further setbacks.

    Didn't mean to co-opt your thread, Laticauda. Hoping you found some answers on your leaf shape question too.

    laticauda thanked brwndot
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