Variegated Umbrella Tree

Light Needs

Bright Indirect Light to Low Light

Mature Height

4 - 25 Feet

Mature Spread

6 - 8 Feet

Feature

Low Maintenance

Dwarf Umbrella Tree is the smaller variety of Schefflera arboricola. The glossy, custardy-yellow, variegated leaves form spirals at the top of short stems. Schefflera is an excellent tropical to grow outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 9b-11, where it can reach ten or more feet and will reliably bloom every summer. Dwarf Umbrella Tree will stay much more compact and bushy at typically 4 feet indoors. 

Best Locations For Growing Variegated Umbrella Tree

The smaller size of this Umbrella Tree makes it perfect for smaller rooms or an office where it can be used as a floor plant. Schefflera is a great air filter that helps remove airborne toxins from carpeting, furniture, and smoke. Parts of the plant are toxic and should be kept away from children and pets.

Variegated Umbrella Tree Sunlight Requirements

Bright indirect light is perfect for Schefflera. The leaves will retain distinct variegation and be very glossy with that exposure. Lower light levels are acceptable as well. Position your plant near a west- or east-facing window, which will provide four or more hours of bright light each day. Umbrella Trees grow well outdoors in the summer. They must be slowly acclimated to a partial sun position and kept out of any direct sun during the hottest part of the day.

Variegated Umbrella Tree Care

Umbrella Trees like to have rich potting soil that is well draining. Repotting in the spring is a good opportunity to prune any dead or dying stems from the base of the plant. The refreshed potting soil will also encourage vigorous growth through the summer.  Always use a container that has a sufficient number of drainage holes in the bottom. Many gardeners pot the Umbrella Tree directly into a basic black nursery pot and then slip that into a more decorative container that will act as a saucer during watering. 

Watering Variegated Umbrella Tree

Umbrella Trees will have noticeable signs of either overwatering or underwatering. Yellowing and dropping leaves clearly indicate overwatering and inadequate drainage. Leaves with browning edges or spots suggest that the plant is too dry. Check to see if the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry every week. That is the signal for watering. Let the plant dry in between sessions.

Feeding Variegated Umbrella Plant

Schefflera are heavy feeders and will need fertilizing every two weeks in the spring and summer. Use a balanced, liquid houseplant fertilizer diluted in water. Keep the fertilizer off of delicate leaves that are easily burned.

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Schefflera_Variegated-HP