Umbrella Plant Care
Common Name: Dwarf Umbrella Tree, Hawaiian Umbrella Tree Plant, Dwarf Hawaiian Schefflera, Australian Ivy Palm, Umbrella Plant, Octopus Tree, Parasol Plant, Starleaf
Botanical Name: Schefflera arbicola
If you are looking for a smaller version of the larger Umbrella Trees (schefflera actinophylla) than the Mini Schefflera arbicola could be the right choice. These indoor plants grow to be about five to six feet indoors, in optimal conditions. They can be pruned back if they get leggy or too tall and thin. This is best done in early spring before new growth begins. They will generally not flower indoors but do regularly in nature. Their leaves are arranged in a whorl and resemble on umbrella top, giving it its most common name. The key to success with these indoor plants is that they need moist soil during the growing season (soil that never completely dries out, but it not constantly saturated). These glossy leaves add a very different texture that other potted houseplants and create an indispensable anchoring element to your plant grouping, or they can stand alone and define a space with its subtle beauty.
Important! Umbrella Trees are poisonous if ingested, so be very careful if you have pets and/or small children.
Dwarf Umbrella Trees like filtered indirect light. Provide them with at least 4 hours of light a day. They will stay healthy and grow properly if they are getting the required light.
These indoor plants like to dry out between watering sessions and quickly decline if the roots are left sitting in water. Let the water saturate the soil completely when watering. If your plant is in a terra cotta pot, you will be watering more frequently as these containers absorb moisture. The smaller the pot the plant is in the faster the soil will dry out.
Average household temperatures of 60-75℉ are perfect for these houseplants. Avoid temperatures under 55℉ as Schefleras are sensitive to cold temperatures.
Try to have slightly higher humidity levels with these plants. Humidity levels over 60% will make your indoor plants thrive.
These guys are not heavy feeders but will benefit from being fertilized once a month during the growing season with a ¼ diluted complete fertilizer. Remember to water your plants first before fertilizing.
- Rotate your schefflera to maintain a healthy, full plant.
- Remove any dead or dying foliage to prevent pests and disease.
- These plants can be propagated in soil, so make some new plants!