Plants in the genus Schefflera are toxic to cats and dogs. Schefflera plant growth becomes dormant in winter, and you shouldn’t expect it to grow much. Schefflera plants need a well draining soil with plenty of organic matter. The dwarf umbrella tree grows as an attractive houseplant and rapidly reaches between 4 and 8 feet (1.2 – 2.4 m) tall. You'll need to use rooting hormone on the cut to be placed in the soil and pot the cutting in a container that can have a plastic sheet placed over the top (usually with elastic bands holding the plastic on) or use a propagator. A good solid and heavy container is needed to prevent tall and mature trees from toppling over. If you want to purchase a plant but your unsure of whether it's a S.arboricola or S.actinophylla and it's just named schefflera; there are some slight differences, although care conditions needed are the same - so I would suggest you buy it if you like it. However, many leaves turning yellow at the same time on the crown could indicate another problem. Level of care: Basic care and maintenance will keep this plant looking healthy and living a long long life indoors. You may be surprised at how fast this plant grows in one season. The umbrella plant makes for a tall, ornamental indoor tree-like plant that grows in containers. People grow a dwarf Schefflera plant for its impressive foliage because it rarely blooms indoors. Umbrella plants rarely flower indoors and these dwarf trees are mainly known for their showy foliage. Plenty of light helps the plant to grow straight, just like a tree. So, if the light only comes from one source—such as a window in a dimly-lit room—the stems will bend and lean towards the light. Submit your house plant to the new forum and ask others for identification. If the plant gets too big for your room, you can trim back the main branch to control its size. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA) says that Schefflera plants contain poisonous substances called calcium oxalate crystals. Related reading: How to get rid of houseplant pests fast and safely. Half-fill the new container with the appropriate potting mix. The Umbrella plant is also known as the Dwarf umbrella tree. Gently remove the dwarf umbrella tree from the pot. Also, warm temperatures and changes in humidity can affect how often you should water umbrella plants. Some plant species have fascinating leaf markings that can create a stunning vertical accent in a room or office. When growing indoors, dwarf umbrella plants are susceptible to pests such as spider mites and scale. *Amazon and the Amazon logo are trademarks of Amazon.com, Inc., or its affiliates. Leaves turning brown and crispy at the edges: Thirsty plant, underwatered, or high salt build up. You will need to re-pot the plant once every 2 years and provide new potting mix, during spring. Schefflera Arboricola is the scientific name. The umbrella plant (Schefflera arboricola or Heptapleurum arboricola) is a popular tree like houseplant that is easy to grow indoors. Of course, growth slows down in winter, and this is normal. I would not go over the top with feeding this plant and just use a diluted fertilizer once a month from spring - fall. Good indirect sunlight is also essential for variegated dwarf umbrella tree cultivars. Each flower is large and has light purple/pink petals with a dark purple center and staminal column. Repotting umbrella plants helps encourage growth and prevents the plant from becoming rootbound. So, check the soil for moisture and only water when the top 1” to 2” (2.5 – 5 cm) of soil is dry. Separate the tangled roots and remove all excess dirt. Although they adapt well to average indoor humidity, they benefit from an occasional misting. If you are getting tired of dracaenas and palms, think about using aralia plants. Fertilize your Schefflera every 2-4 weeks during spring and summer. The ideal type of growing medium should have two parts of peat moss and one part perlite. So, as a preventative measure, keep dwarf umbrella trees in medium to high humidity. A new container should be one or two sizes larger than its current one. Because growth is dormant, adding fertilizer can cause root burn and even kill your plant. The distinct leaves of an aralia plant can be lacy, rounded, or spinach shaped The color of the leaves can be green, white, gold, and cream. Sticky substances on the leaves of your Schefflera are usually a sign of a pest infestation. To be on the safe side - hold of feeding for one month because enough nutrients should be present in the new potting mix. Mealybugs, scale insects, and aphids can suck the plant’s sap, which is then excreted as a sticky, honeydew substance. Houseplantsexpert.com is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. In these pictures: variegated Schefflera cultivars. Soft scales are round, flat, light brown or cream-colored insects that feed on the undersides of leaves and along stems (Figure 18–29). Foxtail Fern: Caring for Asparagus Foxtail Fern (Asparagus Meyeri), Nerve Plant (Fittonia Plant): Caring for Vein Plants, Tall Indoor Plants: The Best Large Houseplants for Homes and Offices (With Pictures), Plants that Grow in Water: Herbs, Indoor Plants and more Plants, Umbrella Plant (Schefflera): Caring for Dwarf Umbrella Tree, How to get rid of houseplant pests fast and safely, Dieffenbachia Plant (Leopard Lily, Dumb Cane) Care, Rubber Tree Plant Care: Growing Ficus Elastica. These are the outermost leaves of … Always empty water from a drip tray to prevent the soil from sitting in water. Temperature is an important factor for growth and varies from species to species. Apart from your plant dying, the insects can infest other plants in your home. To prevent crooked stems, place your Schefflera plant in bright light and rotate the plant every so often so that the light is even. Pets: The umbrella tree is mildly toxic when ingested by cats or dogs and causes them to become unwell. Each type of plant absorbs water at a different rate. This plant is a self-heading Philodendron hybrid. Grown indoors the Schefflera Arboricola can be kept to a manageable size of 4 - 8ft tall, and the good news is they respond well to basic indoor conditions. Grow your schefflera plant in bright indirect light. These houseplants grow well in most indoor environments. A lack of light causes the beautiful shiny foliage to become pale and lose its vibrancy. These toxins can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, and vomiting if pets swallow parts of umbrella plants (1). How they look: They can grow with one trunk, but most likely with a two or more and multiple branches displaying palmate compound or whorled leaves (like fingers coming from the stalk) with four to twelve leaflets or more, giving it an umbrella spoke appearance. Soaking the soil allows enough moisture to penetrate the roots. For fast growth, place umbrella plants in bright light, but protect from direct sunlight. You should cut a stem just below a node so that it is 4” to 6” (10 – 15 cm) long. Over-watering is more of a problem than lack of water. These are quite tricky to propagate, which is done by taking 4 - 6 inch stem cuttings, during spring. Dracaena Fragrans, D Braunii, D Marginata and D. Reflexa. Growing in poorly-lit rooms, bathrooms, or complete shade can result in leggy growth with sparse foliage and a scruffy appearance. In this article, you will find out how to care for the umbrella plant (Schefflera arboricola). The Schefflera arboricola is a species of flowering plant that is native to Taiwan. Fill up the remaining space with the remainder of the fresh potting soil. Umbrella plants quickly grow into tall tree-like plants indoors. During the growing season, umbrella plants can grow an impressive 3 ft. (0.9 m) every year. The umbrella plant is a multi trunk tree that can grows over 15 metres tall outdoors and has to be pruned and topped at some point to keep its size manageable within a home. Umbrella plant stems can start growing crooked if there is not enough light. You can also make an appropriate potting mix by combining equal quantities of humus, garden soil, and perlite or coarse sand. © 2013new Date().getFullYear()>2013&&document.write("-"+new Date().getFullYear());, Houseplantsexpert.com. Its brilliant coloring aside, it looks and grows very similarly to a Philodendron Congo, except will only reach about 2 feet tall at its largest. Naturally, older leaves on houseplants like Schefflera turn yellow before falling off. Avoid sudden temperature drops and cold drafts. Under ideal conditions, the tree-like plant can eventually grow up to 6 feet (1.8 m) indoors with a relatively slender spread of up to 2.5 feet (75 cm). Dwarf Schefflera plants need regular feeding during the growing season. A little bit too much or little of water, heat, cold or dryness won't cause any serious issues. Flowering: Grown in warmer climates outdoors - the umbrella plant produces bright red flowers like tentacles growing above the foliage on long stems (it's where it gets the common name octopus tree). The dwarf Schefflera flowers grow in clusters that have impressive appearance. You can also take umbrella plants outdoors in summer if you live in temperate climates. A lack of humidity can sometimes attract spider mites and scale insects. Leaves may start to fall from the Schefflera plant if you are over-watering or under-watering the plant. See the guide for repotting house plants with useful tips. They have awesome flowers that emerge on tall stems which stand up above the rest of the plant. Roseopicta, C. Zebrina, C. Crocata, C. Makoyana, C Lancifolia and others. If it's losing a lot of upper leaves it could be anyone of many conditions causing a problem, such as over-watering (most common), under-watering, too much heat, sudden temperature drops or lack of light. Additionally, Houseplantsexpert.com participates in various other affiliate programs, and we sometimes get a commission through purchases made through our links. The Schefflera arboricola (dwarf umbrella tree) includes several cultivars, some with variegated leaves. The umbrella plant is the dwarf variety of the Schefflera tree and is related to the large Schefflera actinophylla which is also called the Australia umbrella tree. Remove the bottom leaves so that 3 – 4 leaves are left on the cutting and dip the end node in a rooting hormone. However, if pests infest your plant, use a neem oil solution or insecticidal soap to get rid of the bugs quickly. Make sure you do not over-water the soil, which can begin rotting the cutting and wait until you see plenty of new growth before beginning to provide basic care conditions. A very lovely selection by Bleddyn and Sue Wynn-Jones from N. India, resembling Cautleya spicata though earlier in flower, with red blushed ginger-like foliage on stems to 15” and rich golden yellow flowers atop stems to 18”, for light shade or full sun if provided a moisture rich soil. If there seems to be little growth in spring and summer, you should check the growing conditions. Feb 3, 2021 - Learn to Identify your indoor house plants so you can give them the care they need to grow well. A peat moss based potting mix with 2 parts peat moss and 1 part perlite is suggested. Grown indoors the Schefflera Arboricola can be kept to a manageable size of 4 - 8ft tall, and the good news is they respond well to basic indoor conditions. Wilting plant, dry potting mix: Underwatered, or pot-bound. New stems, flower buds, and leaf surface are densely pubescent. You should stop feeding the plant in the fall and winter. Dwarf umbrella plants thrive in a temperature range between 60°F and 75°F (15°C – 24°C). Dwarf umbrella trees are native to warm, humid environments. Here are the steps to repot an umbrella plant growing at home: Use neem oil solution to quickly get rid of pests on your dwarf umbrella tree. ; Diffused, moderate light. Dwarf umbrella trees are not fussy when it comes to care. The variegated cultivars need to grow in warmer temperatures. Cattleya, Lycaste, Phalaenopsis and Paphiopedilum. Their fast growth means that new stems and leaves grow back quickly. The best advice is to water once the top soil becomes dry. If you want an impressive umbrella plant, choose one of the yellow and green or white and green variegated cultivars. Like most other plants in the Philodendron genus, Philodendron Hope enjoys a mild climate that is neither too hot nor too cold, and neither too bright nor too dark—it likes to be in just the right place. So, the tropical houseplants will grow well in average room temperatures. With medium light and watering a couple of times a month, you can grow umbrella plants in rooms or offices. Before we delve into the detail, here is a quick summary of indoor … But high heat, temperature fluctuations, and under-watering can all result in leaves turning yellow. Tiny insects can quickly infest a Schefflera plant and cause the plant to wilt and eventually die. Check the roots to see if any root rot as set in and take remedial action. Check for spider webbing under leaves at times and take remedial action straight away if needed. Grows well in average room temperatures between 60 - 75 °F (15 - 24°C) but no lower than 55F (13C) or higher than 75°F (24°C). Basic light condition of bright without direct sunlight is best suited, although lower lighting conditions only really affects it's growth rate rather than causing any harm. Once pollinated, the calyx will turn brown and be filled with many small, shiny brown … Put into a moist potting mix and place in a warm, humid place. It’s a group of wonderful plants, many of which make great houseplants because they are survivors that adapt easily to typical household environments and are very easy to care for. When choosing a new pot for a dwarf umbrella tree, choose a heavy terracotta one. In winter, you will need to water the plant less frequently than in summer. The crucial care factor for umbrella plants is that the potting soil retains some moisture without ever being soggy or damp. Repot your Schefflera arboricola plant every 2-3 years to encourage healthy growth. Stems grow towards the light. They produce chlorotic spots on leaf surfaces and along stems as … Apply the fertilizer every two weeks to encourage vigorous growth or every four weeks for average growth. Growth rate of Schefflera is best in temperatures between 60°F and 75°F (15°C – 24°C). The reason why dwarf Schefflera plant is called umbrella plant is due to how its unusual leaves are arranged like an umbrella. Light also helps foliage to be plentiful and bushy so that your umbrella tree-like plant has a lush, healthy appearance. Because this is a multi-stemmed shrub, they can sometimes become top-heavy or fall over. I have a Dracaena potted with two stalks, a tall and short. Other reasons for dropping leaves are temperature extremes, poor light, or moving the plant around too much. Pests: Spider mite are a common threat to this plant and become more present in dry air conditions. But, you have to be careful that the outside temperature doesn’t drop below 55°F (13°C), or the leaves could start falling. Other common names for this tall houseplant include dwarf umbrella tree, parasol plant, octopus tree, and dwarf Schefflera. The easiest way to propagate dwarf umbrella trees is by stem cuttings. Do the usual stem cutting process and remove all leaves apart from one set and make sure a node is available which new growth will sprout from. Unfortunately were not able to get these in flower when grown indoors. If the leaves are turning brown, it means the plant could use more water. It is a member of the Araliaceae family and also known as Heptapleurum Arboricola, umbrella plant or dwarf schefflera. Use a regular houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half-strength. Plant the umbrella shrub at the same height in its new pot. Regular trimming during the growing season also helps to promote bushy, compact growth. The extra weight gives stability to the plant and prevents it from falling over. Soft scales are covered by a waxy secretion, and armored scales develop dark-brown shell-like coverings. Usually, the signs that a dwarf umbrella tree needs replanting include roots poking out the drainage holes or slow growth. Although dwarf Schefflera plants can tolerate low light, their growth rate will be slow. The dwarf Schefflera plant has small flowers that look like small white spikes as seen in the picture above. The type of leaves on this tree like umbrella plant are palmate, meaning there are 7 – 9 leaflets growing from a single point. Thoroughly water the plant and wait until the soil partially dried before watering again. Erwinia blight, the most common philodendron disease, can prove fatal in a few days.Erwinia attacks at or below the soil line. Getting humidity levels right can be challenging in winter when heating tends to dry out the air. The reason why dwarf Schefflera plant is called umbrella plant is due to how its unusual leaves are arranged like an umbrella.The groups of leaflets grow circularly at the end of stems and this gives the leaves a look of an umbrella. Its large leaves and bushy foliage are just some of the reasons why the Schefflera plant tops the list of trendy houseplants. To care properly for your dwarf umbrella tree, water it when the top soil has dried out. Schefflera arboricola plants thrive in a potting mix with plenty of organic matter that has excellent drainage. You will also learn how to resolve some issues that arise when growing this plant indoors. When a tree matures it's likely to need to be supported with a stake or a moss stick (if it has matured enough and produces aerial roots) unless it's pruned down and pinched. To water umbrella plants, thoroughly drench the soil and allow the excess water to drain completely. Because the fresh potting mix is rich with nutrients, wait for six to eight weeks after repotting before fertilizing. You could also use a room humidifier or pebble water tray to increase air moisture. You should also prune leggy stems or dead foliage to improve the plant’s aesthetics. Unlike many Philodendron varieties, the Prince of Orange grows its vibrant leaves from its center rather than from vines or stems. Schefflera arboricola is a tropical tree that is indigenous to Hainan and Taiwan. For excellent advice on houseplant care, please read this article on how often to water indoor plants. So, if you have the Schefflera ‘Gold Capella,’ ‘Green Gold,’ or ‘Trinette,’ make sure that there is enough light. Average humidity levels indoors are usually fine. Yellowing leaves or black stems, wet potting mix: Overwatered You can improve stability by growing the small tree in a terracotta pot. Another way to humidify umbrella plants and keep them looking good is to wipe the leaves with a damp cloth. The most common reason for yellowing leaves is over-watering. Its close relative () Schefflera Actinophylla) has to carefully planted because of its invasive nature and is seen as a weed in certain places. Not too dark or bright. Umbrella Plant, Queensland Umbrella Tree, Octupus Tree, Gold Capella (common). Bright light, regular watering, and feeding every few weeks help to boost its growth rate. Varieties: You will find three main varieties available including variegated (Gold Capella), plain green leafed and dwarf sized trees just named schefflera and umbrella plant on sale in garden stores). Avoid the common mistake of watering your houseplants on a schedule. The umbrella tree is a fast growing species which will need pruning back. Ever since then the leaves on the tall stalk have been turning dark brown (not the light brown of dryness), yellow, and shriveling. Transfer to a pot that has moist, well-draining potting soil. Succulents make up a broad category of plants with thick, fleshy stems and leaves. Schefflera arboricola (or Heptapleurum arboricola) plants grow well in average indoor humidity with occasional misting. However, regularly misting the plants can keep them looking healthy and vibrant. Description The umbrella plant is a multi trunk tree that can grows over 15 metres tall outdoors and has to be pruned and topped at some point to keep its size manageable within … Another reason to hold off on feeding is when the tall indoor plant has reached its desired height. Keeping humidity levels above 50% can help to keep these sap-sucking pests at bay. The ideal … The tree will need all affected leaves, stalks and roots sections removed before re-potting to try and save the plant from dying. If the air is dry in the room, improve humidity levels. The groups of leaflets grow circularly at the end of stems and this gives the leaves a look of an umbrella. This type of hydration enables the plant to thrive in any condition—as long as you only water when the top section of soil has completely dried. It’s crucial to spot the first signs of indoor plant pests and eradicate them as soon as possible. The umbrella plant rarely flowers indoors – its flowers look like compact white spikes and they are arranged in clusters. Pruning a Schefflera plant indoors is vital to keep it at a manageable size. If growth slows down and leaves turn pale at other times of the year, it could be due to feeding issues. Check for signs of root rot such as brown, mushy roots. To prevent soil from becoming waterlogged, it is vital to use a pot with drainage holes. Although they grow very slowly from it, growing bonsai trees from seed can be beneficial because you may want to start from scratch, see the beauty of your bonsai tree while it grows, and ensure it is free from disease and pests. The Best Environment for a Philodendron Hope Plant. Place the jar in a warm, bright place, and after a few weeks, roots should start to appear. Dwarf umbrella trees are fast growers when growing in the right conditions. leaves turning yellow and losing leaves: An umbrella plant will naturally lose it's lower leaves to encourage new growth. A few weeks ago the tall stalk seemed to be listing, so I decided to straighten it up. In this article, you will find out how to care for the umbrella plant (Schefflera … You may also end up with a tree-like plant that has crooked or bent stems. Leaves, stems turning brown (not as common): The most likely cause of the problem is over-watering, if the leaves or stems are soft. However the dwarf Schefflera plant rarely flowers indoors. Schefflera arboricola plants grow outdoors in USDA zones 10 and 11 as long as they are planted in partial shade. It is good to know that you can actually grow bonsai trees from seeds. A slow-growing pace could also mean that the plant has become rootbound and needs repotting. Or, you could tie the stems loosely together to prevent the plant from keeling over. Apply a diluted houseplant fertilizer once a month from spring until the end of summer. Dwarf umbrella trees are quite sensitive to the cold. How to care for dwarf umbrella plant: The Schefflera arboricola grows like a small indoor tree in bright filtered light, a well-draining potting mix, and average humidity. Learn how to grow and care for a Philodendron Selloum, a wide, spreading plant with large, lobed leaves at Houseplant411.com. Water the tropical umbrella plant when the top layer of soil dries, mist the leaves occasionally, and feed monthly during the growing season. All you need to do is pinch back leggy stems just above the node. These umbrella plants are fast growers and can put out a lot of new foliage in spring and summer. Common houseplant pests often affect umbrella plants, and spider mites, scale, and aphids are the most typical culprits. Using perlite improves drainage, whereas organic substances stay moist. Schefflera plant can be easily propagated by stem cuttings. See house plants that not only spruce up the home but remove harmful toxins. Its foliage is mostly green, and some cultivars have variegated leaves with green and creamy-white or yellow patterns. You will need to go through a process of eliminating what your doing correctly that could be a cause and then apply the above care instructions for what is conditions are not provided. Calathea. I also watered. Another way to root stem cuttings is to put them in a jar of water. The best care advice for growing dwarf umbrella trees at home is to water when the top layer of soil is dry. In its natural habitat, the umbrella tree may grow to heights of 25 feet and spread 4 to 8 feet. Ficus Pumila, F. Lyrata, F. Elastica and F. Benjamina. You should prune back unwanted growth to make the plant grow more like a bushy indoor shrub rather than a large tree. During summer, you should water an umbrella plant as often as every week and less often in the winter. It's a plant which less is more, concerning watering and feeding - too much of these will cause plant problems.