Countless plants withered.
But I don't look back. If I do, I won't be able to keep my sanity...
My name is Suzuki and I've been gardening as a hobby for 14 years.
This is a section that introduces only plants that we have actually grown.
This time we introduce the indomitable jagged heart, Schefflera Nova.
What kind of plant is Schefflera nova?
It is also known as Brassaia Nova.
"Nova" is also written as "Nova."
Many shops and botanical gardens consider it to be a horticultural variety of Brassaia.
On the other hand, there is also a theory that it is "Schefflera schizophylla", which grows wild in the Philippines.
Looking at the actual image, the latter theory seems more likely.
The large, unfolding jagged leaves make a big impact!
The branches are thin and flexible compared to the size of the leaves.
This may be an evolutionary form that protects against strong winds.
The Resurrection of "N"
The subheading is the "N" in "Nova."
By the summer of 2023, I had weakened it considerably.
I don't know if it was the heat that caused it.
The plant tends to grow leggy and has fewer leaves.
I thought maybe it wasn't getting enough sunlight, so I moved it to a brighter spot, but that didn't help.
Even in autumn, the condition did not improve.
I suspected the roots were crowded so I repotted it, but the roots weren't too crowded.
It was a sight to behold when winter came and they were kept indoors.
I feel great again!
Maybe it's because I put it too close to a grow light...
It's far better than the spring to autumn period when it was left out on the balcony.
The number of leaves has increased, and the plant is in good condition to welcome the new spring.
Maybe it was the sunlight after all...
This year I'm going to try using LED lighting on the balcony to keep it in good condition.
Basically a good kid
This is what the owner of the gardening store where this baby was kept said.
"No matter how much I cut it, new branches and leaves come back right away."
If the growing environment is good, the growth rate will be fast.
It's not too late in my house either, but I still feel like there isn't enough sunlight.
The leaves are large and densely packed, so wind is an important factor for growth.
If there is not enough air, not only will the plant grow leggy, but it will also be more susceptible to the development of spider mites and scale insects.
If you occasionally spray them with high water pressure, they will be in a good mood.
Plant Gachimeter
Finally, I'll give Schefflera Nova a score based on my very personal opinion.
-Ease of growing: 18 points The cause of the weakness has not been determined.
Ease of training: 20 points. Leaves grow from the bottom, so it holds together well.
Growth rate: 19 points. Quickly becomes bushy.
・Osaka suitability: 19 points Keep indoors in winter!
・Likeness rating: 20 points The jagged leaves are the best! And they don't hurt!
Overall score: 96 points
That's all, Editor-in-Chief.
Author: Suzuki