Lopsided Hawaiian Shefflara Plant

Question

I am in zone 8A. I have owned this Hawaiian Shefflara plant for about 18 months. About a year ago, it got burned on one side (the side with no growth). Since then, the unburned side has grown very well. At this point, he is so lopsided that I need to do something. The pot is not heavy enough and the right side needs to be supported at all times. Since I am in zone 8A, I am thinking it is too cold to plant him outside since we have two to four weeks of freezing temperatures in winter. I would like to propogate, but I’m thinking if I cut where indicated and try to propogate those big portions, they will be too long. (Aren’t propogate stems supposed to be 3-5 inches long max?) Any ideas or suggestions welcome. Thank you in advance!

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Answer 1

I would, actually, remove the entire branch that is lopsided somewhat close to the base. It's outward direction makes it permanently lopsided. Rotating during the winter can counteract this in the future. Otherwise, prune the rest of it for bushiness when you have to. These shrubs will tolerate very heavy pruning (I have to hack mine to pieces every few years.) Indoors, this can be done at any time. Just keep the wound clean after.

As far as propagation goes- these can be propagated at anytime indoors. It is going to be the same process as any other plant. Technically, you can take cuttings from just a small sample of tissue, but the best results without a sterile setting will be the tip of some shoots. As suggested, just cut these down to just a few inches.

You can attempt to cut the stem into pieces down to the base, but these don't root as readily as the tips.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/schefflera/schefflera-plant-pruning.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/schefflera/schefflera-plant-cuttings.htm