Umbrella plant – Indoor House Plants

Umbrella plant (Schefflera arboricola) is an ornamental, evergreen shrub that grows to 8–9 m tall, free-standing, or clinging to the trunks of other trees. The leaves are palmately compound, with 7–9 leaflets, the leaflets 9–20 cm long and 4–10 cm broad. The blossoms are produced in a 20 cm panicle of small umbels, each umbel 7–10 mm diameter with 5–10 flowers. The blooms appear as long, red spikes from the top of the plant during the summer. It is a flowering plant in the family Araliaceae. Numerous cultivars have been selected for variations in leaf color and pattern, often variegated with creamy-white to yellow edges or centers, and dwarf forms. The umbrella tree generates oxygen, adds humidity and purifies the air. It is popular as an indoor bonsai.

Scientific Name: Schefflera arboricola
Synonyms: Heptapleurum arboricolum
Common Names: Dwarf umbrella tree, Umbrella tree or Umbrella plant.

How to grow and maintain Umbrella plant (Schefflera arboricola):

Light:
It prefers partial sun to partial shade. Direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn.

Soil:
A peat moss based potting mix with 2 parts peat moss and 1 part perlite is suggested. The pH value should be slightly acidic and should be between 6.0 and 6.5.

Temperature:
It thrives well in average room temperatures between 60 – 75°F / 15 – 24°C but no lower than 55 °F / 13°C or higher than 75°F / 24°C. Avoid sudden temperature drops and cold drafts.

Water:
Water regularly in spring and summer but allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Yellow leaves are a sign of overwatering. Drooping leaves usually indicate that the soil is too dry.

Fertilizer:
Fertilize with a balanced liquid fertilizer every month during the growing season. Reduce the fertilization to once a month during the winter rest period or when the tree isn’t actively growing.

Propagation:
Schefflera arboricola can be propagated by semi-hardwood cuttings or by air layering. Take stem tip cuttings in spring and summer. It can also be propagated from seeds.

Pruning:
Prune the schefflera arboricola plant regularly to keep the plant bushy. Use sharp scissors or bypass hand pruners to cut the stems right above a leaf. New growth appears directly below where you cut the stem, so try to prune above a stem node.

Repotting:
Re-pot the plant once every 2 years, as the plant becomes root bound.

Pests and Diseases:
No serious Pest and disease problem. Mealybugs, aphids, and thrips show up. Look for spider mites in dry indoor conditions. Leaves will drop if soils become too moist or too dry. Expel any yellow leaves as they appear.