How to Split an Arboricola Plant

Prepare the new pots from the divided plant ahead of time. Fill the pots three-quarters with well-drained, all-purpose soil. Add one-half cup sand to the soil in each pot and mix it in. The sand provides a base for the new plant

Dig up the root ball with a small shovel or spade. According to the Clemson Cooperative Extension, begin to dig 4 to 6 inches away from the center of the plant. This ensures the root ball isn’t damaged. Continue to dig until the root ball is free from the surrounding soil.

Lift the plant away from the original pot carefully, paying attention to handle the root ball minimally. Remove any loose dirt from around the root ball and pull off any dying or decayed foliage from the dwarf umbrella tree. Using your gloved hands, gently separate the root ball into two to three divisions, based on the size of the plant. The Clemson Cooperative Extension suggests using two pitch forks to separate the root ball if the shoots are tangled or if the ball is too large to separate with your hands.

Place the divided root ball directly into a pail of cool water. While the newly divided shoots absorb the water, dig holes in the pots with a small shovel or spade that are large enough to accommodate the divided root balls.

Place the root balls into the pots and back-fill them with the soil and sand mixture. Provide the pots with a healthy drink of water and display the newly potted schefflera arboricola in a spot that receives indirect sunlight.