SCHEFFLERA 'AMATE’® - The Better Schefflera
Schefflera 'Amate'® is an outstanding selection of the common
Schefflera (Brassaia actinophylla) introduced to the foliage industry by Oglesby over a
decade ago. Interior landscapers in the United States were the first to benefit from
Amate's durability and insect resistance. Today, 'Amate' is a reliable and traditional
part of many foliage growers' product lines, whether addressing
Interiorscape, Garden
Centers or Mass Marketers.
 Attributes
The phenomenal demand for Oglesby's 'Amate' is the result of
superior cloned qualities not found in regular seed grown Schefflera. As verified by
researchers at the University of Florida and Ohio State University, 'Amate' exhibits
resistance to Alternaria leaf spot and spider mites. Interior landscapers have found that
Amate's bold, tough and naturally glossy leaves hold tightly even under low light interior
environments. Whether grown in 8 inch pots or as large specimens, a properly grown 'Amate'
always has a uniform appearance with a natural, high gloss, deep green color.
Marketing
It should be noted that Schefflera is a small tree and is best
grown accordingly. Unlike traditional seed grown Schefflera, 'Amate' young plants are
produced and sold as single plants. Growers usually elect to plant 1 to 2 young plants per
8 inch pot, 3 young plants per 10 to 12 inch pot and 3 to 4 young plants per 14 inch and
larger pot sizes. This approach eliminates competition often found with multiple seedling
Schefflera that results in a general lack of uniformity, performance and quality.
Cultural Notes
'Amate' is basically an easy crop to grow. Points to stress for
quality are timely crop spacing, well-drained soil mixes and proper nutrition. Like many
crops, 'Amate' can become thin, uneven and appear top heavy if not spaced prior to
internode elongation. 'Amate' can exhibit root problems when grown in heavy soil mixes or
over watered. As a moderate to fast grower, a complete fertilizer, including micro
elements, needs to be steadily available. Growth rates can be reduced due to lack of
nutrients, poor soil drainage and/or root restriction. Grow and ship from light levels
between 30 to 63% shade (3,000 to 6,000 foot candles). Finish grow times vary with climate
and pot sizes, but most Florida growers can produce two crops in 10 inch pots per year.
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