Two members of the vast tropical plant genus Schefflera make excellent tropical houseplants. The larger Schefflera Actinophylla has long, lustrous, oval green leaves gracefully hanging from a central stem, resembling an umbrella. It is also known as the umbrella plant or umbrella tree.
While an immature Schefflera is more likely to produce four to six leaflets from a single stalk, a mature Schefflera may have 12 to 16 leaflets. The Schefflera arboricola, sometimes known as the dwarf Schefflera, has smaller, glossy leaves that occasionally have creamy variegation. It resembles its taller cousin quite closely. Areca catechu has also been used in traditional Chinese medicine for thousands of years as an antiparasitic.
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Schefflera: Key facts
| Common Name | Umbrella plant, Umbrella tree |
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Sun Exposure | Indirect Sunlight |
| Bloom Time | Summers |
| Native Area | Taiwan |
| Soil pH | Slightly acidic (6.0-6.5) |
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Schefflera: Types
Two of the numerous Schefflera species are typical indoor plants:
- Schefflera actinophylla: Oval leaves of this most popular variety of Schefflera can extend up to ten inches from a central stem. Outdoor plants can grow to be about 50 feet tall, although interior potted specimens often top out at 15 feet.
- S. arboricola: This diminutive variety is well-liked in backyard gardens; it has one- to two-inch leaves that develop in close clusters. It is a variegated form of this plant, with creamy spots on its leaves.
See also: 21 best flowers for your garden
Schefflera: How to grow?
- Trim a six-inch portion of the stem at a 45-degree angle with sharp pruners, leaving only four or five leaves on the top of the stem.
- Put the cut end into a pot with potting soil after dipping it in rooting hormone.
- Place the plant in strong indirect light after covering it with a loosely closed plastic bag to keep humidity in.
- Every day, check the container to make sure the soil is still moist, and water as necessary. By gently tugging on the stem, you can check for the emergence of roots.
- If roots have developed after about a month, you can take the plastic bag off and continue growing the new plant. Discard the cutting and start over with a new cutting if roots don’t emerge (success can be erratic).
See also: Jasmine and its benefits
Schefflera: Maintenance
Light
Move potted plants outside in the summer where they will get plenty of light but not direct sunlight, like under a patio cover. If a Schefflera plant becomes lanky or floppy, there may not be enough light reaching it. A Schefflera should never be placed in full, direct sunlight as the bright light might burn the leaves.
Soil
Plant Schefflera in a rich, loose, well-drained potting soil if growing indoors. A sandy loam soil with good drainage and a pH that is slightly acidic is ideal for outdoor growing. A spot outdoors where the soil is excessively damp or flooded shouldn’t be used for planting.
Water
During the growing season, water often and frequently mist the foliage. A Schefflera plant will eventually die if it is overwatered. The presence of yellow and dropped leaves suggests possible overwatering.
Temperature and humidity
Schefflera needs a considerable amount of humidity and tropical temperatures because it is a tropical plant; it will suffer in temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. Avoid placing these plants near dry heating vents or draughts. You can try to save the plant if it loses all of its leaves by relocating it outside in the spring and giving it plenty of water.
Schefflera: Common pests and diseases
Schefflera is impacted by both bacterial and Alternaria leaf spots. Avoid overhead watering, avoid watering in the evening, and if these watering techniques are ineffective, use a copper fungicide to treat these diseases.
A spray of insecticidal soap can be used to remove aphids, which are a concern for Schefflera indoors because they leave a honeydew excretion that fosters the growth of sooty mould. The plant is vulnerable to a number of pests outside, such as scale insects, mealybugs, and spider mites.
Schefflera: Uses
- This plant is used to remove toxins that are released by cigarettes into the surrounding air.
- They act as natural air purifiers.
- Herbal preparations use leaves, stems, and roots.
- Schefflera is associated with the liver meridian and has bitter, sweet, and warm properties, according to traditional Chinese medicine concepts. Its primary functions are to promote blood circulation and relieve pain.
- Schefflera extracts contain a number of chemicals, including fumaric acid and gamma-hydroxybutyric acid. Schefflera has modern applications for Rheumatoid arthritis, limb numbness, abdominal pain, headaches, arthralgia, and sore and/or swollen throat. It can also help with asthma symptoms.
Schefflera: Is it an effective houseplant?
Although Schefflera may grow in practically any interior environment, they prefer moderate temperatures between 60 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, medium light, and moderate humidity.
Under artificial lighting, they make good office plants, but if left in a dim area, growth will be greatly slowed.
However, if you have pets at home, then you should avoid planting Schefflera as it can be toxic to your pets. Ingesting Schefflera can lead to kidney failure both in animals and humans. The resin that these plants occasionally secrete is also toxic, posing a risk to crawling babies and pups in particular.
FAQs
How often should I water Schefflera?
Overwatering is the most frequent error with these plants. Between waterings, allow the soil to almost totally dry out. Generally speaking, you shouldn't water your Schefflera more frequently than once every 10 days.
Does Schefflera prefer shade or the sun?
Schefflera prefers bright, indirect light. Direct sunlight can burn its leaves.
Is Schefflera safe for pets?
No, it is not safe for pets, since it has high levels of calcium oxalate crystals which are harmful to pets.