Schefflera House Plant

Botanical Name: Schefflera spp. 

It also goes by the name Umbrella Tree. This tropical plant has been a common house plant a long time, and it's easy to see why. It makes a beautiful accent for any brightly lit room.

Its upright branching stems bear horizontal spoke-like leaves that consist of about 8 large, dark-green leaflets. A dwarf variety (Schefflera arboricola) exists -- it is a much smaller and bushier plant. 'Variegata' (shown below) is a variegated form with green and cream leaves.

Caring for Schefflera Year-Round

Schefflera plant care is easy. Put it in a bright spot, out of direct sun and place the container on a saucer of wet pebbles to increase the humidity around it.

Pruning schefflera may be necessary on large plants. As the plant ages, it loses its lower leaves, becoming leggy. Prune it back harshly to stimulate new growth and to keep it full. Pinching off the growing tips will promote branching. 

Dropped leaves? Schefflera doesn't like to be moved around and may drop its leaves if exposed to cold drafts or blasts of hot air from heating vents.

Keep leaves clean by gently wiping them with a soft, damp cloth. Built-up dust interferes with photosynthesis so it's a good idea to wipe leaves every couple weeks to keep your plant healthy. My Schefflera had leafshine product sprayed on its leaves when I bought it, but it's not necessary. Those pinwheel leaves are naturally glossy.

Repot in spring when roots grow through the drainage holes in the bottom of the pot. Use a heavy pot to prevent toppling -- this plant can get top-heavy.

Pests are few, however spider mites may invade if the air is dry. Keep an eye out for webbing between stems and the undersides of leaves. Raising the humidity around the plant in winter will help to prevent an invasion.

Schefflera Plant Buying Tips

Buying a new Schefflera? Choose a plant based on the size and type you want. They're all easy to grow. With good care, this beautiful, tropical house plant will live for many years.

Schefflera Plant Care Tips

Origin: Australia and Pacific Islands

Height: Up to 6 ft (1.8 m). Tall Schefflera plants will need support. Mature plants have aerial roots that can be trained to cling to a moss stick.

Light: Bright light, no direct sun. Turn plant occasionally in front of the window to encourage even growth. Variegated types of Schefflera that fade aren't getting enough light. Leggy stems with long spaces between leaves are another symptom of too little light.

Water: Water thoroughly to get all the roots wet. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Yellow leaves are a sign of overwatering. Drooping leaves usually indicate that the soil is too dry.

Humidity: Average or higher indoor (about 40-50% relative humidity). If your home gets too dry in the winter, use a cool-mist room humidifier or mist with water.

Temperature: Average to warm room temperatures (65-80°F/18-27°C). This tropical native doesn't like either hot or cold drafts -- and may protest by shedding its leaves. Keep Schefflera away from cold windows and doors in the winter, as well as blasts from AC or heat vents. 

Soil: Peat moss-based potting mix.

Fertilizer: Feed monthly with a water-soluble houseplant fertilizer that includes micronutrients. New leaves that seem wilted and pale may be suffering from lack of fertilizer.

Propagation: Take stem tip cuttings in spring and summer.

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