Can't seem to locate any umbrella or ficus plants

[dimil]

I live in the Phoenix area and I'm having a really difficult time trying to locate an umbrella plant/tree (Schefflera actinophylla) and a ficus. Please let me know what your thoughts are and if you can give me some recommendations. I've already tried WM, HD, Lowes, Target, KMart and Moon Valley Nursery. TIA

 

[guanagator]

You want to look for schefflera arboricola instead, and it will be in the indoor plants our outdoor bushes section depending on size usually. Home Depot can order if they don't have any in stock.

 

[dimil]

You want to look for schefflera arboricola instead, and it will be in the indoor plants our outdoor bushes section depending on size usually. Home Depot can order if they don't have any in stock.

Thank you for your reply. What size would be best to start off with for a 24x24x48 enclosure?

 

[Cookster1]

Hi there,I would go for a 3ft (90cm).then if need be,prune some of the top,and maybe sides if they are to tall & wide.This is what I did with my Ficus & Umbrella

 

[Wowbango]

You want to look for schefflera arboricola instead, and it will be in the indoor plants our outdoor bushes section depending on size usually. Home Depot can order if they don't have any in stock.

Yes definitely Lowes or Home Depot is the best way to go. I got a 5 Gallon one from Lowes for $16.99 and it goes up about 2 ft up my 4ft cage. Keep in mind I sat it inside a pot that is built into the stand on which I have it on. So it's a tad lower than it would be in yours if you just put it inside. Gives it plenty of space to grow. Then just added a pathos in the top right and put sticks and vines throughout.

 

[AESara]

Yes definitely Lowes or Home Depot is the best way to go. I got a 5 Gallon one from Lowes for 416.99 and it goes up about 2 ft up my 4ft cage. Keep in mind I sat it inside a pot that is built into the stand on which I have it on. So it's a tad lower than it would be in yours if you just put it inside. Gives it plenty of space to grow. Then just added a pathos in the top right and put sticks and vines throughout.

How did you hang that pothos? It looks really nice.

 

[AESara]

Thank you for your reply. What size would be best to start off with for a 24x24x48 enclosure?

I would try to get one in the 2-3 foot range and then prune as needed to fit it in the cage. Did you check at the stores or just call? I ask because I first called my local Home Depot and they said they only had schefflera that were 1ft tall and they didn't have any ficus. I went over anyway and found both schefflera and ficus in the 2-3 ft range, and even some scheffleras that were easily 6ft.

If you're calling around, it may help to ask if they have "weeping fig" instead of ficus.

If you're still having trouble finding any, LLLReptile sells both:
http://www.lllreptile.com/products/10457-large-ficus-tree-live-8-pot

http://www.lllreptile.com/products/30105-large-dwarf-umbrella-tree-live-8-pot

 

[dimil]

Thanks everyone....Lowe's came to the rescue...I was actually able to speak with someone who had plant knowledge. I am buying a 3' ficus and a 4' schefflera (which I will prune down) the schefflera is only $4 and the ficus is $15...YAY!!! Right now in his small enclosure I have both of the pathos plants on the floor. I'll be sure to hang them higher when he graduates to his XL enclosure. Any recs on how to hang it preferably from the side? I have an idea of bracing it to a piece of clear acrylic instead of just using the screen for support. Wowbango you sure did spend A LOT on your Schefflera...Ouch!!!

 

[Craigwyatt]

Home Depot and Walmart.

 

[Wowbango]

How did you hang that pothos? It looks really nice.

It's actually not hanging, it's sitting between two branches that I have going to the back corner that made a "perch" so to speak.