How to Grow & Care for Schefflera (Umbrella Plant)

Schefflera, commonly called umbrella plants or trees, make excellent tropical houseplants. The larger Schefflera actinophylla features long, shiny, oval green leaves that droop gracefully from a central stalk, resembling an umbrella. Schefflera arboricola (dwarf schefflera) features smaller, glossy leaves, sometimes with creamy variegation.

These easy-growing plants can live 25 years or longer and produce flowers, but plants grown indoors rarely develop flowers. Schefflera grows best in indirect light, requiring a rich, loamy, well-draining soil and temperatures consistently warmer than 60°F. All parts of the schefflera plant are mildly toxic to humans and seriously toxic to dogs and cats.

Schefflera Care

Here are the main care requirements for growing schefflera plants:

• Schefflera requires indirect, bright light. Growing in lower light conditions could result in less growth or the plant becoming leggy.
• Requires warm temperatures above 60°F at all times.
• Thrives in a rich, well-draining, acidic potting soil.
• Feed twice weekly during the growing season.
• Give water only when the soil dries out to prevent overwatering.
• Tolerates average indoor humidity at 30% but prefers higher humidity, preferably 40%.

Planting

Plant schefflera in the spring or fall when the weather is more mild and not too hot. If growing outdoors, you'll want to select a location that gets bright yet indirect light.

If growing indoors, place your plant by a bright window that gets indirect light as full sun can burn the plant's leaves. Plant with a well-draining potting soil and water when the top inch of soil becomes dry.

Light

Schefflera prefers bright, indirect light. In the summer, move potted plants outside where they will receive bright light but not direct sun, such as under a patio cover.

A schefflera plant that gets leggy or floppy might not receive enough light. Never place a schefflera in direct, full sunlight because the intense sun can burn the leaves.

Soil

If growing indoors, plant schefflera in a rich, loose, well-drained potting soil. A well-draining, sandy loam soil with a slightly acidic pH is ideal when grown outdoors. 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. Cut back on water during the winter months. Yellow and dropped leaves indicate that you might be watering too much.

Temperature and Humidity

Because it is a tropical plant, schefflera requires relatively high humidity and tropical temperatures; it will suffer in temperatures lower than 60°F. 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. If the plant loses all its leaves, you can attempt to save it by moving it outdoors in the spring and watering generously.

Fertilizer

Feed schefflera plants twice a week during the growing season with liquid fertilizer for houseplants, or use two applications of slow-release pellets. They are heavy feeders and will benefit from the extra nutrients.

Types of Schefflera

The Schefflera genus has about 600 species native to Asia, Africa, and the southwestern Pacific. Of the many species in the genus, two are common houseplants:

• Schefflera actinophylla: This most common schefflera has oval leaves that grow up to 10 inches from a central stalk. It can grow to 50 feet tall outdoors, but indoor they won't grow more than 15 feet tall.
• S. arboricola: This smaller version, popular in home gardens, has 1- to 2-inch leaves that grow in tight clusters; it is a variegated variety of this plant with creamy blotches on its leaves. It can grow as tall as 25 feet outdoors, but houseplants are generally kept to no more than 6 feet.
• Schefflera alpina: This variety can be grown as a small tree or a shrub and can reach up to 6 feet tall. It features glossy and dark leaves with pointed leaflets.

Pruning

Your schefflera might need to be pruned occasionally, especially if it is not getting enough light. Leggy schefflera can be pruned to encourage a fuller plant. Cut off what you feel is overgrown or appearing leggy (you can propagate the cuttings).

Schefflera houseplants rebound quickly from pruning and will reward your efforts. The result will be a fuller and bushier plant.

Propagating Schefflera

It's best to propagate schefflera in the spring by cuttings. Using sharp pruners, cut off a 6-inch stem section at a 45-degree angle and remove all but four or five leaves at the top of the stem. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone, then place the cut end into a container filled with potting soil. Cover the pot with a loosely secured plastic bag to hold in humidity, then place the pot in bright, indirect light. Once roots form, you can remove the plastic bag and continue growing the new plant.

Potting and Repotting Schefflera

Repot schefflera plants annually or as needed with fresh soil and in a bigger pot if they've outgrown the previous one. You can slow the growth rate and prevent plants from getting too large by prolonging the period between repotting and allowing them to get somewhat rootbound.

If you repot schefflera, remove it from its container and gently loosen up the roots; it might help to soak them in water. To repot, select a larger container (clay or plastic) with ample drainage holes and fill it with a peaty, well-draining soil mix.

Overwintering

Hardy in USDA hardiness zones 10 to 12, schefflera plants are commonly overwintered indoors for most of the year in cooler climates. They can be taken outdoors for the warmer months in climates appropriate for tropical plants.

Common Pests & Plant Diseases

Both bacterial leaf spots and Alternaria leaf spots affect schefflera. These diseases can easily be remedied by avoiding overhead watering, not watering in the evening, and applying a copper fungicide if these watering practices don't work.

Indoors, schefflera is prone to problems with aphids, which leave a honeydew excretion that leads to sooty mold; treat for aphids with insecticidal soap spray. Outdoors, the plant is susceptible to several pests, including mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects.

Common Problems With Schefflera

Schefflera is a low-maintenance plant that is not difficult to grow, but sometimes your plant can exhibit some problems. Here are some potential issues:

Dropping Leaves

Schefflera may drop leaves because it is stressed. When a sudden shift to its environment occurs, whether sun exposure, temperature, drafts, or watering changes, the plant will show its distress by dropping leaves.

Check that the soil is sufficiently moist but not soggy. Ensure the plant has indirect light and temperatures remain consistently above 60°F. (Its preferred temperature range is between 65°F and 90°F.)

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 caused by overwatering, can also cause brown, mushy spots on leaves. A best practice is to water the plant deeply and allow the soil to dry out before giving it another deep watering.