Items 1 to 6 of 6 total
Items 1 to 6 of 6 total
Schefflera
About Schefflera
Genus
Schefflera
Species
The two most common species are Schefflera arboricola and Schefflera actinophylla.
Family
Araliaceae
Common Names:
Umbrella Plant, Dwarf Umbrella Tree
Native To:
Tropical and subtropical regions, including Southeast Asia, Australia, and the Pacific Islands.
Plant Type:
Houseplants
Foliage Type:
Evergreen
USDA Plant Hardiness Zone:
10 - 12
Flower Color:
Usually insignificant for indoor plants, but outdoor plants can produce red, pink, or cream-colored flowers in warm climates.
Flower Bloom Time:
Summer
Growth Habit:
Upright and bushy; can grow tall and spread wide outdoors.
Attracts:
Bees and other pollinators
Tolerates:
Low to moderate light
Resists:
Deer, to some extent
Where To Grow Schefflera Indoors
Schefflera is known for its umbrella-shaped leaf clusters, each glossy segment forming a spoke from the center stalk. This genus, which includes dwarf varieties with smaller, sometimes variegated leaves, naturally adapts to environments above 60°F. While it occasionally flowers in outdoor settings, indoor specimens typically focus on producing lush foliage. Many people appreciate that these plants can live for decades with relatively easy upkeep.
Indoors, it’s common to place them near windows for bright, indirect light, preventing leaf scorch while still supporting steady growth. Pairing multiple stems in a single container can create a visually appealing, fuller arrangement. Occasional pruning of tall, leggy stems promotes a tidier appearance suitable for living rooms, offices, or cozy corners. Schefflera plants can be moved outside during warm seasons to enhance outdoor spaces, provided they are placed in bright, indirect light and protected from frost.
Schefflera Care
Schefflera plants require well-draining, slightly acidic soil to prevent root rot. Allow the soil to dry out completely between waterings, then water thoroughly until excess drains out. Position the plant in bright, indirect light, avoiding direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. During the growing season, apply a balanced, water-soluble fertilizer every couple of weeks to support healthy growth.
Outdoors, scheffleras thrive where winter frost is not an issue, though they can be relocated inside when temperatures dip. Propagation is straightforward, as stem cuttings root quickly once they’re given a few days to callous and are set into an airy potting mix. Common problems include leaf drop from overwatering, along with infestations of pests like mealybugs or spider mites if humidity is too low. Routine trimming, along with periodic repotting, maintains healthy growth and prevents top-heavy stems.
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