hawaiian umbrella tree repot.

[mboatman]

I have a nice hawaiian umbrella tree that was among many plants from my grandfathers funeral. It has a nice right, back, left branch structure (1,2,3 branching) i just defoilated it and there are new back buds starting to appear in new places. I am also tempted to repot it but since it is so sentimental to me, i would hate to lose it due to jumping the gun. I do know these trees are hard to kill so to speak. Whats your take on this scenario? Thanks

[lewisjk]

They usually like hot weather, but with the heat we've all been having the last few weeks, I think I'd wait at least until there are new leaves popping out -- then, if it is still scorching, give it a bit of afternoon shade.

[clrosner]

Here's a little info from my files:


(Hawaiian Umbrella Tree) is a tropical and is very low maintenance.

Light - Does well in low to medium lighting conditions.
Temperature - Room temperature (65 - 75 degrees) is OK. Keep in mind this tree is from Hawaii so don't expose it to temperatures below 50 – 55 degrees for an extended period of time.
Water - They like to be on the dry side but be sure that the soil doesn't dry out completely. If you notice that some leaves are turning black and falling off it’s a sign that you’re over watering. If the tips of the leaves appear wrinkled or the leaves are turning yellow the plant has gotten too dry.
Fertilizer - A weak solution (1/2 strength) of plant fertilizer can be given through the winter and then use a full strength solution in spring, summer, and fall. Be sure to follow the directions on the fertilizer when mixing.
Something like Miracle grow plant food will work fine for this tree.



Care is not difficult with this tree; it is quite forgiving (with the exception of cold). Likes standard feeding during the growth season, and daily water. Plant is well draining soil mix. Reduce root ball in early spring when all frost danger is past, chop to desired height at the same time. It is a good idea to leave at least two leaves on the growing tips, as back budding can be slow after the root reduction. Check the archives for a plethora of solid mixes for a Tropical.


Cutting should be rooted in a glass of water in a warm/light location. You'll have good success, but it takes a while, don't give up on the cuttings. I've never seen them in a group planting, but you can give it a shot. You will need to pinch the apex leaf many times before branch buds appear below, until then they may look like a stick with a growth on top. All back buds appear where past leaves have been. When you cut the leaf, just cut the long stem, and about a week later let the base yellow and fall away, this way you wont damage the future bud.

[mboatman]

Thank you. Both
I have another question the throw out there.
i have another umbrella tree that i just simply let go. It is throwing out aerial roots everywhere and they are no more than 2 months old. My question is IF i cut where i would like to(above the aerial roots) would that affect the growth of the aerials that are already there?

[clrosner]

It shouldn't affect growth under the cuts (above the aerial roots), but would appreciate photos, since that gives everyone a better chance to visualize and help!

[centaura]

Aerial root growth is going to be affected by the ambient humidity. Sometimes it can be humid enough for long enough in northern summers to get roots all the way to the ground, otherwise using a straw to guide them to the ground will also provide them with a little 'cone' of humidity to help them along. If you want to encourage aerial root growth, what I do is enclose mine in a clear plastic bag when its inside for the winter. Let the roots grow until they touch the ground, and then slowly return it to standard humidity - once the root establishes itself, lack of humidity won't kill it. But, lack of humidity will stop immature aerials that haven't touched ground yet. Don't do this outside - a plastic bag will turn into an oven in the sun.

-Cat