2023 How To Grow And Care Octopus Tree: Best Tips And Advice

Choosing the Ideal Location for Your Octopus Tree

Growing octopus tree requires bright, indirect light.Place the tree where it will receive at least 6 to 8 hours of sunlight daily.Too much direct sun will damage the delicate leaves. The ideal temperature range is between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit.
More comprehensive information and care guidelines can be read here.

grow octopus tree, soil, blue textile with white textile — *Photo by* *Peter Luo* / *Unsplash*

Preparing the Soil: Creating the Perfect Growing Environment

To ensure your octopus tree has the optimal growing conditions, begin by amending the native soil with organic matter.This helps to make the soil loose, rich and well-draining.

Some options for soil amendments include:

Organic mulch: Apply 2 to 4 inches of shredded bark,leaves or straw.
Compost: Mix in 2 to 3 inches of good quality compost into the soil.
Peat moss: Work 1 to 2 inches of peat moss into the top 6 inches of soil.

The soil for your octopus tree should have:

A pH level between 6.0 to 7.0 for optimum growth. Test the pH and adjust with lime or sulfur if needed.
Be free from compaction to allow for adequate drainage and aeration of the roots.
Avoid soggy or waterlogged areas where water sits for long periods. Good drainage is essential.

After amending, the top 6 inches of soil around your octopus tree should be:

Moist but not wet – neither too dry nor soggy.
Friable – able to be easily crumbled in the hand.
Rich in organic matter to supply nutrients for robust growth.

grow octopus tree, soil, dried soil between plants — *Photo by* *Adham Fathi* / *Unsplash*

Planting and Propagating Octopus Tree: Step-by-Step Instructions

Proper planting techniques are essential for establishing a healthy octopus tree.

When planting an octopus tree:

Dig a hole 2-3 times wider than the root ball but only as deep as the root ball.
Place the tree at the same depth it was previously growing. Gently slide the root ball into the hole.
Backfill the hole with the amended soil you prepared,firming the soil around the base as you fill.
Water thoroughly after planting to settle the soil around the roots and remove any air pockets.
Apply a 2-4 inch layer of organic mulch around the base to help conserve soil moisture and regulate soil temperatures.

Octopus trees can also be propagated from stem cuttings. Take cuttings from the new growth in spring or early summer.

To root cuttings:

Step	Details
1.	Take 8 to 12 inch stem cuttings from new growth.
2.	Remove lower leaves, leaving top 4 to 6 leaves.
3.	Dip base of stem in rooting hormone.
4.	Plant stems in well-draining propagation mix or potting soil.
5.	Mist leaves and soil regularly and place under mist propagation unit or cover with a plastic bag to keep humid.
6.	Place cuttings in indirect light and temperatures between 65 to 75 °F.

Monitor cuttings for signs of rooting like new growth after 8 to 12 weeks.Transplant rooted cuttings into individual pots when they have developed 3 to 4 leaves and a good root system.

grow octopus tree, sunlight, gray asphalt road between green grass and trees during daytime — *Photo by* *Michael Held* / *Unsplash*

Essential Care Tips for Thriving Octopus Trees

Providing the proper care and maintenance is key to keeping your octopus tree healthy and thriving for many years.Here are the essential care tips:

Watering: Monitor soil moisture levels regularly.Water thoroughly whenever the top 1 inch of soil feels dry.Allow the soil to partially dry out between watering. Avoid overwatering as this can cause root rot.

Fertilizing: Fertilize your octopus tree every 6 to 8 weeks during the active growing season from spring through summer. Use a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer at half the recommended strength on the label.

Pruning: Prunning should only be done to remove damaged,dead or diseased branches. Pruning should be restricted to the end of winter or early spring before buds begin to swell.

Humidity: Octopus trees prefer humid conditions, aim for 40% to 50% indoor humidity. Use a humidifier or group plants together to help boost humidity levels around your octopus tree.

Temperature: The ideal temperature range for octopus trees is between 65 to 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid sudden temperature changes and protect from temperatures below 50 degrees.

Pests and Diseases: Check regularly for common pests like spider mites and mealybugs. Issues like leaf drop and yellowing leaves may indicate problems that should be addressed promptly.