How to grow Schefflera

Schefflera arboricola · Umbrella plant, Dwarf umbrella tree

An evergreen shrub with glossy leaves made of seven to nine leaflets that spread like the spokes of an umbrella; an undemanding houseplant.

Quick facts

Type	Houseplant
Family	Araliaceae
Light	Partial shade
Frost	does not tolerate frost
Soil for sowing	from 10 °C
Where it grows	At home

When to plant

Planted as a young plant from a nursery while it is dormant — in early spring before the buds open, or in autumn after leaf fall.

Frost dates · When to plant

Care

At home

Stage	Watering	Temperature	Feeding
Growth	every 8 days	16…24 °C	balanced (NPK), 14 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 44 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 74 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 104 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 134 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 164 days into the stage; balanced (NPK), 194 days into the stage
Winter rest	every 14 days	10…24 °C	—

Growing notes

Light

Medium to bright indirect light, for example behind a sheer curtain; bright direct sun burns the leaves.

Soil

Standard houseplant compost, well-drained and rich in organic matter.

Care

Water thoroughly, then let the soil dry about 1 cm deep before watering again, and never leave water in the saucer; water sparingly in winter. Leaves drop if the soil stays too wet or too dry. It likes humid air, so a tray of wet pebbles helps. Feed with a balanced liquid fertiliser once a month while it is growing. Toxic to cats and dogs (calcium oxalate crystals), and the sap can irritate sensitive skin.

Pests and diseases of Schefflera

Sources

Figures checked against these sources.