Schefflera, commonly called umbrella plants or trees, make excellenttropical houseplants.
All parts of the scheffleraplant are mildly toxic to humans and seriously toxic to dogs and cats.
If growing outdoors, you’ll want to select a location that gets bright yet indirect light.
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Plant with a well-draining potting soil and water when the top inch of soil becomes dry.
Light
Schefflera prefers bright, indirect light.
A schefflera plant that gets leggy or floppy might not receive enough light.
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Never place a schefflera in direct, full sunlight because the intense sun can burn the leaves.
Soil
If growing indoors, plantschefflera in a rich, loose, well-drainedpotting soil.
A well-draining, sandy loam soil with a slightly acidic pH is ideal when grown outdoors.
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Avoid planting outdoors where the soil becomes too wet or soggy.
Water
Water regularly during the growing season and spray the leaves with water frequently.
Wait until the pot’s soil dries out, then give it a deep and thorough soaking.
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Cut back on water during the winter months.
Yellow and dropped leaves indicate that you might be watering too much.
Do not expose these plants to drafts or dry heating vents.
In cold climates, bottom heat might be necessary.
An underwatered or cold schefflera will begin to drop leaves quickly.
They are heavy feeders and will benefit from the extra nutrients.
Leggy schefflera can be pruned to encourage a fuller plant.
Schefflera houseplants rebound quickly from pruning and will reward your efforts.
The result will be a fuller and bushier plant.
Pruning Tip
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Propagating Schefflera
It’s best to propagate schefflera in the spring by cuttings.
Dip the cut end inrooting hormone, then place the cut end into a container filled with potting soil.
Once roots form, you could remove the plastic bag and continue growing the new plant.
They can be taken outdoors for the warmer months in climates appropriate for tropical plants.
Outdoors, the plant is susceptible to several pests, includingmealybugs,spider mites, andscale insects.
Here are some potential issues:
Dropping Leaves
Schefflera may drop leaves because it is stressed.
Check that the soil is sufficiently moist but not soggy.
Ensure the plant has indirect light and temperatures remain consistently above 60F.
(Its preferred temperature range is between 65F and 90F.)
Yellowing Leaves
Overwatering is often the cause of your schefflera’s leaves turning yellow.
Try watering less to see if this helps.
If not, your plant might not receive enough light, so move it to a brighter location.
Brown Spots on Leaves
Underwatering is likely the cause for spots on your schefflera.
In that situation, water your plant more regularly during the growing season.
Root rot, often because of overwatering, can also cause brown, mushy spots on leaves.
Is this the right plant for you?
It can be planted outdoors in the garden in USDA zones 10-12. you’ve got the option to mix grounds in directly with the soil or compost them first.
No, do not mist a schefflera plantmisting does not increase humidity.
If your house is particularly dry, tryadding a humidifier, which will actually raise the humidity.
Indoors in ideal conditions, a schefflera plant could live 20 or 25 years.
It could potentially live longer than that, but it might not look its best.
At that point, it might be better to propagate a nice looking branch.
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North Carolina State Extension.
Schefflera Arboricola - Plant Finder.
Missouri Botanical Garden
The genus Schefflera: A review of traditional uses, phytochemistry and pharmacology.Journal of Ethnopharmacology.
