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Copyright 2005, Board of Trustees, University
of Florida




10






Relationships of Osmocote l evel.Jfnrappll j-i e hod
on growth of Neanthe ella palif arndl te erc

R. T. Poole a d C. kPonovei5s
University o Florida, IFAS
Agricultural Resear hpp Ed yaio. C Ienter
AREC-Apopka Rese r-Gahepo i -

Current fertilizer recommendations suggest Brassaia actinophylla
(Schefflera) receive 2100 Ibs N/A-year from a 3-1-2 (N-P-K) ratio, e.g. 9.9
grams Osmocote 19-6-12 (approximately 2 teaspoons) applied to an 8" pot every 3
months. This suggestion was based partly on previous research that showed
Schefflera responded best to 2000-3000 Ibs N/A-year with 3000 Ibs the highest
level tested. The suggested rate for Chamaedorea elegans (Neanthe Bella palms)
is 1800 Ibs N/A-year, or 8.5 grams 19-6-12 Osmocote applied every 3 months to
an 8" pot, also based on research that did not exceed the optimum for plant
growth. This test was initiated to evaluate higher levels of fertilizer and
also to evaluate fertilizer placement.

A 6 x 2 factorial experiment was initiated May 20, 1982 to test growth of
Schefflera and Neanthe Bella palms fertilized with 6 levels of 19-6-12 Osmocote
* surface-applied or incorporated (Table 1) in a mix of Florida sedge peat:
builder's sand (3:1 by volume). Plants were grown in 8" pots containing 7 Ibs/
yd dolomite and 2 Ibs/yd Perk in a shadehouse receiving 4000 ft-c maximum.
September 13, 1982 growth response was evaluated. Mites were observed on
Schefflera and their density determined.

Height of both cultivars was not affected by treatments (Table 1). Appli-
cation method did not affect plant response. Best plant grade and leaf color
were in treatments fertilized with 25.6 or 32.0 g Osmocote 19-6-12/8" pot, or
4000-5000 Ibs/A-year N. The previously suggested rate produced good quality
plants, but higher fertilizer levels yielded slightly better plants. Highest
root grade of Schefflera with good foliage was observed on plants grown in pots
receiving 25.6 g/pot. Mites were much more prevalent on plants receiving the
high fertilizer rates with none seen on plants receiving the lowest fertilizer
rate. Results for this experiment suggest that present recommendations for
fertilization of Schefflera and Neanthe Bella palm are slightly lower than the
optimum required, but these increases in fertilizer level could result in
increased populations of mites on these plants.


Professor, Plant Physiology and Professor and Center Director, Agricultural
Research and Education Center, 2807 Binion Road, Apopka, FL 32703,
respectively.









References


1. Conover, C. A. and R. T. Poole. 1981. Light and fertilizer levels and
slow-release fertilizer sources influence growth of Brassaia actinophylla
Endl. Proc. Fla. State Hort. Soc. 94:109-111.

2. Conover, C. A. and R. T. Poole. 1984. Light and fertilizer recommenda-
tions for production of acclimatized potted foliage plants. AREC-Apopka
Research Report RH-84-7.

3. Poole, R. T. and C. A. Conover. 1978. Influence of container size,
fertilizer level and area or volume rate basis on Schefflera growth.
Proc. Soil and Crop Science Society of Florida 38:4-5.

4. Poole, R. T. and C. A. Conover. 1981. Influence of fertilizer, dolomite
and fluoride levels on foliar necrosis of Chamaedorea elegans Mart.
HortScience 16(2):203-205.


Table 1. Influence of Osmocote levels on growth of 2 foliage plants.
Schefflera Neanthe Bella palm
Osmocote
19-6-12 Ht Plant Foliage Root Ht Foliage
g/8" pot (cm) gradex colorY gradez Mites (cm) color
6.4 53.0 2.9 1.9 4.9 1.0 49.0 2.0

12.8 54.7 4.0 3.2 4.7 1.9 50.2 3.0

19.2 51.6 4.1 3.6 4.0 2.1 50.5 2.9

25.6 52.4 4.6 4.1 4.5 2.5 46.6 3.9

32.0 53.4 4.5 4.3 3.8 2.8 50.3 3.4

38.4 48.8 3.8 4.3 3.3 2.7 49.7 3.9

NS .01 .01 .05 .01 NS .05

W1 = none (not detectable), 2 = noticeable, 3 = severe

Xl = poor, 5 = excellent quality

Y1 = chlorotic, 5 = dark green
z1 = live root coverage 0-20%, 2 = 21-40%, 3 = 41-60%, 4 = 61-80%, 5 = 81-100%


*1