Not really. Most bonsai will take many years to develop, but with the Schefflera you can have a potential bonsai in less than a year. Here's one that I've been working with for the past six months.
[img]https://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e188/coloradus/Cobura-1.jpg[/img]
A six inch single stem cutting was taken on May 1st. The cutting was rooted directly in an 8 inch unglazed pot using a 50/50 organic/ inorganic soil mix.
Around the first of June the plant produced a new leaf at the apex. This is a good indication that the cutting has rooted.
After 2 weeks of growth the plant was started on fertilizer. Dyna-Gro (7-9-5) full strengh was used. The tree was fertilized every other watering or about once a week.
Around the 15th of July the plant had grown enough so that I could pull the trunk back over itself and tie it down. I used silicone tubing and florist wire for the tiedown.
I was looking for something other than a straight or slanted trunk.
After another month of growth the plant was at the height I wanted (about 8 inches). At this time I removed the growth bud at the apex and any new buds as they appeared.
The first week in Sept. the plant threw me a curve and broke a bud low on the trunk.I didn't really want a branch at that position, but decided to leave it to deal with later.
[img]https://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e188/coloradus/Cobura-2.jpg[/img]
This was taken 10 Oct.. The tie down has been removed and the new branch is doing well.
[img]https://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e188/coloradus/Cobura-3.jpg[/img]
Same date. A leaf was cut just above the bend leaving the axil and ½ inch of stem. This will encourage a new bud in this area.
[img]https://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e188/coloradus/Cobura-4.jpg[/img]
25 Oct. The new bud broke, but not where I wanted it. Oh well.
[img]https://i39.photobucket.com/albums/e188/coloradus/Cobura-5.jpg[/img]
As of this date it has been 6 months since the cutting was taken. The new bud is doing well. Another 3-4 months and the plant should start showing some potential.
Updates on this tree will follow.
Comments, questions and ideas are always welcome.
Phil...