Schefflera Arboricola
Great for beginners since this is a low maintenance indoor plant. Schefflera plants experience very few diseases and purify the air. The leaves are green and sometimes variegated with a splash of yellow or white. On one leaf stem you can see 9+ leafs forming the shape of an umbrella.
*Plant height will vary.
Part Sun
Medium
Easy
Pet Toxic
The Dirt
Native to Taiwan and Hainan. Arboricola derives from Latin, meaning tree. The genus name is a tribute to a 19th century polish botanist named Jacob Christoph Scheffler. This plant can grow to be 15ft tall, at home they typically do no exceed 6ft. It is easy to prune and shape, thus lends easy to the bonsai and propagate.
Part Sun
This plant likes most rooms with windows facing west or east. You could place it in a spot away from a very sunny window – as light intensity goes down quick as you move away from the light source.
Medium
Water one a week. Before watering, feel the soil, top layer should be dry, if not dry wait a day or two. If the soil still is wet you risk giving the plant too much water, you don’t want it to rot.
Pet Toxic
Only when ingested it may cause mild oral and gastrointestinal upsetness. Keep out of reach from pets and small children.
Schefflera Arboricola
Care Tips
Variegated varieties prefer bright light but avoid direct sun exposure
Arboricolas enjoy humidity so purchasing a humidifier is a good idea or misting the leaves once a week to increase the humidity level.
Avoid overwatering, wet soil promotes disease and root rot
Schellera’s rarely flower indoors, but can produce flowers outdoors in bright/partial shade
Remove yellow and brown leaves to promote a healthy plant
Native to Taiwan
Common Names
Umbrella Plant
Dwarf Umbrella Tree
Botanical Name
Schefflera Actinophylla
Family
Araliaceae