how do you propagate scheffleras?

Question

My schefflera plants are getting too leggy. I cut them off, stuck them in water. Also, dracaena plant, very woody.

Answer 1

Leggy plants are normally caused by insufficient light, so I would move the plant somewhere brighter. Rather than sticking the cuttings in water, you should put it in good potting soil (dip the cut end in rooting hormone, if desired) and place in an area with high humidity and indirect light until roots develop. A plastic bag covering the pot and cutting will help to keep the humidity high. This article will help with its care: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/schefflera/schefflera-plant-care.htm

The dracaena likley needs some pruning back and you should get new growth.

Answer 2

Yes. Legginess in plants can also be caused simply by being overgrown;i.e., not enough roots to support all the leaves, so the older, lower leaves fall off. Schefflera are especially good at sending out new shoots when they are pruned, so you should have some good regrowth. Rooting cuttings is much more difficult, but give it a try. Rooting in water is actually a misguided activity: while some plants will root in water, when you put them in soil, they have to grow new roots, because water roots are different than soil roots. And then, of course, many plants will not rot in water at all.