2023 10 Best Octopus Tree Companion Plants And 3 Avoid: Expert Tips

Understanding the Octopus Tree

The octopus tree (Schefflera actinophylla) is an exotic plant that derives its name from the octopus-like shape and arangement of its branches and compound leaves. It thrives in partial shade and well-draining soil.The octopus tree companion plants is an evergreen shrub or small tree native to Australia and New Guinea.
More comprehensive information and care guidelines can be read here.

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Benefits of Companion Planting with Octopus Tree

Companion planting helps attract beneficial insects, supplements nutrients, and controls pests for the octopus tree. By pairing certain plants together, you can create a micro-ecosystem that benefits each plant and enhances plant growth and productivity. The main benefits of companion planting with Impatiens for the octopus tree are:

Improved pollination: Companion plants such as Impatiens attract beneficial insects like bees and butterflies that help pollinate the octopus tree flowers.
Supplemental nutrients: Some companion plants fix atmospheric nitrogen in the soil through their roots which helps provide nitrogen for the octopus tree.
Reduced insect damage: Certain plants release chemicals that repel harmful insects from plants like the octopus tree. This can help control pests that damage octopus tree leaves and stems. For example, spider plants release a substance that repels nematodes which can invade and damage octopus tree roots.
Support and shelter: Woody companions like hedera and linden trees can provide support to growing octopus tree vines and shelter the roots from extreme temperature and sunlight.

Choosing the right mix of companion plants can greatly enhance the health, growth and overall success of your octopus tree plantings. Understanding the soil,light and water requirements of each plant will help ensure a balanced ecosystem that benefits all the plants involved.

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Top 10 Companion Plants for Octopus Tree

The following are the 10 best companion plants for the octopus tree:

Asian Jasmine – Asian jasmine is a fast-growing vine that produces fragrant white flowers. It attracts bees and other pollinators to benefit the octopus tree.
Impatiens – Impatiens flowers come in a variety of colors and provide nectar for pollinators. They also repel some insects that may damage the octopus tree.
Purple Heart Tradescantia – The purple and green foliage of this groundcover looks attractive against the octopus tree. It also helps reduce nematodes in the soil.
Spider Plant – Spider plants release a substance that helps control nematodes. Their long trailing leaves form a delicate veil around the octopus tree.
Hedera – Weeping fig or Hedera acts as a support for vines and provides shade to the roots. Its dense canopy covers the ground to reduce weed growth.
African Violets – The beautiful African violet flowers attract beneficial insects while producing chemicals that repel insects harmful to the octopus tree.
Linden Trees – The linden tree’s large canopy forms a protective layer over the octopus tree while its roots help aerate the soil.
Caladium – Caladium’s colorful foliage acts as a groundcover and helps suppress weeds. Its toxicity also deters certain insects from the octopus tree.
Ferns – Ferns add an attractive foliage component and benefit from the shade of the octopus tree. They promote good soil drainage.

10.Boston Ferns – Boston ferns help with humidity levels which the octopus tree needs. Their roots also do not compete with the octopus tree for nutrients.

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How to Care for Octopus Tree Companion Plants

Proper care and maintenance is needed for both the octopus tree and its companion plants to ensure a healthy and balanced environment. Here are the main aspects to focus on:

Watering– Different companion plants will have varying water requirements. Some like African violets need regular moisture while others like jasmine and spider plants prefer slightly drier soil. Water the octopus tree according to its needs, then adapt the watering schedule for the companion plants.

Fertilizing– Fertilize the octopus tree and companion plants separately according to their specific needs. Most companions will require less fertilizer than the octopus tree. Apply balanced,slow-release fertilizers to avoid burning the plants’ roots.

Sunlight– The octopus tree thrives in partial shade so most companions suited for these conditions will do well. However,be mindful of any that require full sun and move them to a sunnier location or provide some afternoon shade.

Spacing– Leave at least 2 feet between the octopus tree and low-growing companion plants. Taller companions like linden trees and hedera fig should be planted 3 to 5 feet away. This ensures the plants have enough room to grow while also benefiting from each other.

Pruning– Prune the octopus tree in early spring before new growth starts to maintain its shape. Many companions like impatiens,Asian jasmine and caladium can also benefit from annual pruning to promote bushier growth and remove dead or diseased plant material.

By following these basic care tips and periodically checking the health of both the octopus tree and its companions, you can grow a thriving mixed planting that provides aesthetic value along with functional benefits for each plant involved. Over time, adjust the care regimen as needed based on your observations of the plants and the balance within the ecosystem you’ve created.

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Avoid These 3 Companion Plants for Octopus Tree

While many plants make good companions for the octopus tree, there are a few that should generally be avoided. Here are three plant types that are not suitable for pairing with the octopus tree:

Thorny plants: Plants with thorns like cacti and roses pose a risk of injuring or tangling with the delicate branches and vines of the octopus tree. Their thorns can also make maintenance and pruning difficult around the octopus tree.

Invasive groundcovers: Some groundcovers tend to aggressively take over garden beds. These include periwinkle, bishop’s weed and invasive ivy species. As they spread, they compete with the octopus tree for nutrients, water and space and can ultimately choke out the tree.

Invasive or aggressive climbers: While vines like Asian jasmine and spider plants make good companions, invasive vines like English ivy should generally be avoided. They grow rapidly, climb up the octopus tree and interfere with its growth by overcrowding the branches.

In summary, choose companion plants based not only on the benefits they offer but also potential drawbacks. Plants with physical hazards like thorns, as well as those with tendencies toward invasiveness or aggressive growth, typically do not make good companions for the delicate octopus tree.

Instead, opt for companions that:

Have growth habits that complement rather than conflict with the octopus tree
Provide functional benefits like pest control, nutrients and shade
Pose minimal risks of damaging, overcrowding or choking out the octopus tree

By avoiding unsuitable plants and choosing wisely from the many good options, you can create an optimal companion planting to boost the health, growth and aesthetics of your octopus tree.