Botanical Name |
Schefflera |
Common Name |
Schefflera, umbrella plant, dwarf umbrella tree, Australian ivy palm, octopus tree, and starleaf |
Plant Type |
Broadleaf evergreen shrub or small tree |
Mature Size |
6 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide (indoors) |
Sun Exposure |
Bright, indirect light |
Soil Type |
Rich and moderately moist |
Soil pH |
Acidic to slightly alkaline |
Bloom Time |
Summer (outdoors) |
Flower Color |
White, pink, or red |
Hardiness Zones |
10, 11 |
Native Area |
Australia, Taiwan, Hainan |
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Planting:
Schefflera are not difficult plants to grow if they receive plenty of indirect light, warmth, and humidity. In very cold climates, bottom heat might be necessary. Leggy schefflera can be pruned to encourage a fuller plant.
Indoors, schefflera are prone to problems with aphids, which leave a honeydew that leads to sooty mold; treat for aphids with a spray of insecticidal soap. Outdoors, the plant is susceptible to several pests, including mealybugs, spider mites, aphids, and an insect known as scale.
Caring:
Light
Schefflera prefer bright, indirect light. In the summer, move potted plants outside where they will receive bright light but not direct sun, such as under a patio cover. A schefflera plant that gets leggy or floppy might not be receiving enough light. Never place a schefflera houseplant in direct, full sun because intense sun can burn the leaves.
Soil
Plant schefflera in a rich, loose potting media with moist compost. A well-draining sandy loam soil with an acidic to slightly alkaline pH is ideal. Avoid planting in a location where the soil becomes too wet or waterlogged.
Water
Water weekly during the growing season and spray the leaves frequently. You can wait until the soil in the pot dries out and then thoroughly soak the soil when you water. Cut back on water during winter. Often, people will overwater their schefflera plant and doing so will eventually kill it. Yellow and dropped leaves is a sign that you might be watering too much.
Temperature and Humidity
Because it is a tropical plant, schefflera requires humidity and tropical temperatures; it will suffer in temperatures lower than 60 degrees. Do not expose these plants to drafts or dry heating vents. An underwatered or cold schefflera will begin to drop leaves quickly, so take leaf-drop seriously and correct the issue. If the plant loses all if its leaves and you want to save the plant, move it outdoors in the spring, and water generously.
Fertilizer
Feed schefflera plants twice a week during the growing season with liquid fertilizer, or use two applications of slow-release pellets. They are heavy feeders and will benefit from the extra nutrients.
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