Schefflera arboricola 'Janine' - Dwarf Umbrella Tree 'Janine'
General: The genus Schefflera includes over 500 species and it is distributed in Asia and Australia. Very interesting is the range of forms within the species. So some species grow as a shrub, as a large tree, as a liana or even epiphytic on other trees like orchids. The Small Ray Aralia is originally from Taiwan and grows as a small shrub or epiphyte with appropriate aerial roots. The evergreen leaves are palmately compound and have a long stem. Ray aralia is commonly found today as an ornamental and houseplant.
Care as a bonsai: Although the Small Ray Aralia forms relatively large leaves and does not branch much, it can be made into very convincing bonsai. Older specimens often have stems overgrown with aerial roots and appear very primordial. At the same time, the finger-like, long-stemmed leaves give the plant the necessary lightness in the crown area. The ray aralia also convinces by its undemanding nature with regard to location and care as a bonsai. The plants tolerate sun and shade, heat and cold, short-term water shortage or excess, as well as severe pruning, leaving no leaf on the plant. For optimal growth, however, the ray aralia still prefers a bright and warm location, as well as an adequate supply of water and nutrients.
Features of the variety: The variety 'Janine' has small yellow to white variegated leaves. The shape of the leaves is very changeable and the plant grows ehr slow and compact. For optimal development of color, the plant should be as bright as possible.
