Umbrella Plant. Schefflera Arborcola 10 Seeds.
This tropical plant is super easy to grow and makes a stunning houseplant with its hand-shaped leaves that come in deep green as well as variegated cream and yellow.
Schefflera, a well-liked houseplant, is commonly referred to as the umbrella tree due to its leaves spreading out from a central stem, forming a drooping, fan-like shape that looks like an umbrella. Another reason folks call it the umbrella tree? It's just simpler to say and spell than "schefflera." By the way, it's pronounced shuh-FLARE-uh.
Schefflera is a type of tropical plant that originates from Taiwan and China. We're going to concentrate on Schefflera arboricola, which is also known as the dwarf umbrella tree or dwarf schefflera. This plant thrives in USDA Zones 10 to 12 and is typically kept indoors as a houseplant. They can be placed outside during the spring and summer but must be brought back inside for the winter.
Schefflera arboricola grows quite rapidly outdoors, reaching heights of 10 to 25 feet when fully mature. However, when grown as houseplants, they grow much more slowly, usually staying between 3 and 6 feet tall.
Every part of the Schefflera — including its leaves, stems, and roots — can be mildly toxic to humans and is harmful to dogs and cats if they consume it. If you have pets or small kids who might munch on it, it's best to avoid this houseplant.
Botanical Name: Schefflera arboricola
Common Names: Schefflera, umbrella tree, dwarf umbrella tree, umbrella plant
Bloom Time: It blooms in the summer when outside, but it won't flower indoors. This plant is mainly appreciated for its beautiful leaves.
Schefflera loves bright, indirect light. Place scheffleras near a sunny window indoors. If you decide to take a potted schefflera outside for the summer — which is a great idea to provide it with optimal growing conditions — make sure to position it under a patio or porch roof. Direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
Scheffleras require well-draining soil. They are prone to root rot if the soil is too heavy. They thrive in loose soil that contains plenty of organic matter mixed in.
Water them regularly during the summer months. Mist the leaves with water weekly to prevent them from drying out. Allow the soil to dry out between waterings. Reduce watering in the winter when the plant is in its dormant phase. Overwatering can be fatal for a schefflera.
Fertilize your schefflera twice a week during the growing season. These plants are heavy feeders in the summer and require additional nutrients. Opt for a liquid fertilizer designed for potted plants or slow-release pellets.
Occasionally prune your schefflera. This helps prevent them from becoming too spindly, which can happen if they don’t receive enough light. Trim off any overgrown sections and shape the plant. Scheffleras will bounce back quickly, resulting in bushier, healthier growth.
Re-pot your schefflera once a year. This gives your plant fresh soil and more space for its roots to expand. You can keep your plant small and slow-growing by allowing it to become slightly rootbound. However, if the roots are pushing out of the drainage hole at the bottom of the pot and the plant seems too large for its container, it’s time to move it to a larger pot.
