Care of Outdoor Variegated Schefflera

Plant the dwarf schefflera in a partly shady to sunny spot where it has room to grow to its full size of 8 to 10 feet in height and width. The full size shefflera is a much larger specimen from Australia that the University of Florida does not recommend for backyard gardeners. Amend the soil if necessary with peat moss or vermiculite to improve aeration for the schefflera plant's roots. Schefflera thrives in soil with a pH around 6.0.

Water the variegated shefflera after planting, keeping the soil damp until you see signs of new growth. Then water only as needed during times of severe drought. Excess water will weaken the plant, eventually killing it if the roots are in standing water.

Prune the schefflera during the winter to keep it from becoming too leggy. Cut the long branches back about one-third, to a leaf bud, using a clean pair of pruning shears.

Fertilize the variegated schefflera with a slow-release fertilizer with a 19-6-12 ratio for a steady supply of nutrients and to help reduce the problems associated with poor soil such as leaf spot. Apply the fertilizer according to the manufacturer's directions any time in the spring.