Schefflera

Schefflera arboricola, Schefflera actinophylla,Umbrella Tree, Dwarf Umbrella Tree, Octopus Tree

Schefflera is a popular evergreen shrub or tree native to Taiwan and Australia. It is characterized by its signature leaves, which radiate outward from a central point like the spokes of an umbrella. It is a robust, relatively fast-growing houseplant that can tolerate some neglect and a range of lighting conditions. It is an excellent statement piece for bright corners. The two main types are the smaller, bushier S. arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree) and the large, woody S. actinophylla (Octopus Tree).

Care Guide

LIGHT

  • Prefers bright, indirect light for dense, compact growth.
  • East or West-facing windows are ideal.
  • Tolerant of medium light, but growth will slow, and it will become sparse and leggy.
  • Variegated types need brighter light to maintain their color.

WATER

  • Prefers the soil to dry out mostly between waterings.
  • Allow the top one-third to half of the soil to dry out before soaking thoroughly.
  • Overwatering causes leaves to turn yellow and drop suddenly, and leads to root rot.
  • Underwatering causes the leaves to droop and the edges to turn brown and crispy.

SOIL

  • Needs a well-draining, standard indoor potting mix.
  • A blend of potting soil with a generous amount of perlite or coarse sand ensures proper drainage.

GROWTH HABIT

  • Ideal conditions: Consistent warmth (65-75F) and average indoor humidity.
  • Growth rate & size: Growth rate is moderate to fast. It grows as an upright, branching shrub or tree, easily reaching 4-8 feet tall indoors.

PROPAGATING

  • Propagated by stem cuttings or sometimes by air layering.
  • Take a section of stem with a node, remove the lower leaves, and root in water or moist potting mix.
  • Cuttings are best taken when pruning in spring or summer.

PRUNING

  • Pruning is essential to control the size and shape and encourage a bushy appearance.
  • Cut back leggy stems just above a node or a leaf junction to promote new branching.
  • Pinching the growing tips of new shoots encourages a denser canopy.
  • Remove old, yellowed, or damaged leaf clusters.

REPOTTING

  • Repot when the plant is root-bound, typically every 2-3 years.
  • Repot in spring or early summer.
  • Schefflera can handle being slightly root-bound, which helps control its size. Use a heavy pot to anchor large specimens.

FERTILIZING

  • Feed regularly during the spring and summer growing season (monthly).
  • Use a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted to half strength.
  • Stop fertilizing in the fall and winter.

FLOWERING

  • Produces long, spike-like clusters of red or orange flowers on outdoor, mature specimens.
  • Extremely rare on indoor plants.

TOXICITY

  • Toxic to humans and pets. Contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause oral irritation, swelling, and vomiting if ingested.

PRO TIPS

  • Leaf drop is often caused by a sudden change in environment (e.g., bringing it home) or overwatering.
  • Wipe the large, glossy leaves regularly to remove dust and maximize light absorption.
  • Rotate the plant weekly to ensure even growth and a symmetrical canopy.

Variability in Care

Most varieties of this plant follow the standard care above, but some require adjustments.

Dwarf Umbrella Tree

Examples: Schefflera arboricola

  • Has smaller leaves and a bushier growth habit, making it easier to manage indoors.
  • More forgiving of lower light than the Octopus Tree.

Octopus Tree

Examples: Schefflera actinophylla

  • Has larger leaves and develops a thicker, woody trunk, growing into a significant indoor tree.
  • Requires brighter light and heavier feeding than the dwarf variety.

Variegated Cultivars

Examples: Schefflera arboricola 'Variegata', S. a. 'Trinette'

  • The yellow/cream variegation requires the brightest indirect light to maintain its color.
  • Are slower-growing and more sensitive to poor conditions than the all-green types.

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