How to Pot Schefflera

Choose a container large enough to allow for growth if you want the schefflera to grow into a small tree. Pots can be made of clay, plastic, ceramic or any other material as long as they have channels or holes to allow excess water to drain out of them. Use a plate or purchase a shallow container to place under the pot to catch water draining out the bottom of the pot. Some pots have built-in saucers for this. Scheffleras thrive in moist soil but tend to rot if the soil is too wet. The pot should be at least 2 inches taller and deeper than the original nursery container. Choose a pot at least twice as large for more lush growth.

Pour potting soil or soilless growing medium into the bottom of the pot. Commercial mixtures are readily available at garden centers and nurseries. Choose a mixture that includes light materials such as perlite, peat moss or vermiculite. These products keep the growing medium light and allow for better drainage. A good mixture should also contain plenty of organic matter.

Remove the schefflera from its nursery container and place it in the center of the new pot. The top of the schefflera's roots should be about 1 inch below the rim of the pot. Add or remove potting soil from the bottom of the pot as necessary to raise or lower the schefflera. Pour in enough growing medium to hold the schefflera in place in the pot and add water to moisten the medium. As soon as the water is absorbed, pour the growing medium around the plant until the pot is filled to within 1 inch of the top and the top of the plant's roots are covered. Water thoroughly.

Check the soil level to be sure the growing medium does not settle into the pot so far that the schefflera's roots are uncovered. Add more potting soil, if needed.

Set the container in a spot that gets bright, indirect light. In front of a sunny window is fine as long as the sunlight is filtered by sheer curtains or shades. The pot should be in a warm place where the temperature ranges from 55 to 85 degrees Fahrenheit. Fertilize every other month from spring to fall with a general purpose, liquid houseplant food. Follow label directions for proper application, and cut the fertilizer by half in winter or if the plant is growing under low light conditions.