For those looking for an exotic tropical houseplant, Schefflera is a great option. Often referred to as an umbrella tree, the taller Schefflera actinophylla bears long, lustrous, oval-shaped green leaves that cascade gently from an umbrella-like central stalk. Immature Scheffleras typically have four to six leaflets per stalk, however mature Scheffleras can have up to 16 leaflets per stalk from a single stem. Dwarf Schefflera arboricola (also referred to as dwarf Schefflera) is characterized by small, glossy, variegated leaves. The only noticeable difference is that it’s a little smaller than its taller sibling.
It is only possible to grow Schefflera in USDA zone 10. In colder climates, they’re grown year-round indoors but can be moved outside in the spring and summer. When grown inside, they may coexist peacefully with other exotic plants. This plant, on the other hand, is unlikely to flower inside. In order to show off its long red, white, or pink tentacle-like blossoms, they often need to be grown in the open air.
Fast-growing plants like Schefflera can grow up to 3 feet every year if they are planted outside. Keeping indoor plants in a tiny pot means they will grow more slowly. Schefflera are best planted in the spring or fall when the weather is not scorching hot if you live in a warm environment. People and their dogs should avoid all portions of the Schefflera plant, which is hazardous.
Schefflera is a plant that requires special attention.
As long as they get lots of indirect light, warmth, and humidity, Schefflera aren’t that tough to grow. Depending on the climate, bottom heat may be required. Pruning a leggy Schefflera might help it grow into a larger plant.
Light
Bright, indirect light is ideal for Schefflera. To keep your potted plants from overheating in the summer, place them under a patio cover or other shaded area. An overly lanky or floppy Schefflera plant may not be getting enough sunlight. Scheffleras should not be placed in direct sunlight since the high heat might cause the leaves to burn. 1
Soil
Moist compost should be used to keep Schefflera’s potting media loose and rich. The optimal soil type is a sandy loam with a pH of 5.5 to 6.5. The soil should not become too moist or soggy before planting.
Water
Spritz the leaves periodically and water them once a week during the growing season. To avoid over-watering, you can let the soil in the container dry out before watering it thoroughly. During the winter months, conserve water. Overwatering a Schefflera plant is a common mistake, and the plant will die as a result. You may be watering your plants too much if their leaves turn yellow or fall off.
Humidity and Temperature
Tropical plants need high humidity and temperatures of at least 60 degrees Fahrenheit in order to thrive, and Schefflera is no exception. Keep these plants away from drafts and dry heating vents to avoid damage. Take leaf-drop carefully and repair the issue if it occurs on an underwatered or cold Schefflera. To rescue a plant that has lost all of its leaves, move it outside in the spring and water it heavily.
Fertilizer
In the growing season, apply liquid fertilizer or slow-release pellets twice a week to Schefflera plants. They consume a lot of food, therefore the extra nutrients will be beneficial to them.
Schlefflera species types
two common houseplants belong to the Schefflera genus:
Schefflera actinophylla: One of the most common Scheffleras has oval-shaped leaves that can grow up to 10 inches from the stem. In the wild, it can grow to a height of 50 feet, although indoor potted plants often reach a maximum height of 15 feet
S. arboricola: Variegated, with creamy spots on its leaves, this smaller variant is popular in home gardens. It has 1- to 2-inch leaves that grow in dense clusters. Outside, it can reach a height of 25 feet, although most people keep their houseplants at a height of 6 feet or less.
Pruning
Prune your Schefflera if it isn’t getting enough light, which may necessitate pruning. Remove everything that appears to be overgrown or lanky. Schefflera houseplants recover rapidly from pruning and will thank you for your work. As a result, the plant will develop into a fuller and more luxuriant form.
- In order to spread Schefflera, Schefflera propagation is best done in the spring because it prevents your existing plant from becoming overly bushy and provides you with free new plants. It’s possible to propagate Schefflera by cuttings.
- What you’ll need to get started is the following: a pair of sharp garden shears, rooting hormone, potting soil, a container, and a plastic bag is all you’ll need.
- To accomplish this: To remove all but four or five leaves from the top of the stem, cut off a 6-inch portion of the stem at a 45-degree angle and remove the rest.
- Plant the cut end in a container filled with potting soil after dipping it in rooting hormone.
- In order to maintain humidity, set the pot in bright indirect light and cover it with a plastic bag that is only loosely attached.
- Ensure that the soil in the container is kept moist by checking it frequently and watering if necessary. Gently tug on the stem to see if there are any roots.
- The bag can be removed after roughly a month if strong roots have grown and the new plant is continuing to grow well. The cutting should be discarded if roots do not emerge (success can be irregular).
Schefflera Potting and Repotting
Plants should be re-potted every year or as needed if they’ve grown too large for their current pots. Plants that are allowed to become a little rootbound might slow down their growth and prevent them from becoming too huge.
If you decide to repot the Schefflera, take it out of the container and carefully untangle the roots. Soaking the roots in water can help you achieve this. In a larger container (clay or plastic) with good drainage holes, add one part potting soil and one part sphagnum moss.
Pests and Diseases of Plants
Schefflera is affected by bacterial leaf spots and Alternaria leaf spots. Avoiding overhead watering, not watering in the evening, and applying a copper fungicide can all help cure these diseases.
To prevent sooty mold on Schefflera, use insecticidal soap as a preventative measure against aphids, which leave honeydew on the leaves. Several pests, including mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects, can attack the plant in the wild.
Schefflera Issues That Often Occur
Schefflera is a low-maintenance plant, although problems might arise. To figure out what’s wrong, here’s a guide.
Leaves That Have Turned A Pale Yellow
When your Schefflera’s leaves turn yellow, overwatering is a common culprit. Waterless and see if that helps. Moving your plant to a brighter location may help if this is the case.
Leaves with Brown Spots
Spots on your Schefflera are most likely the result of it being underwater for an extended period of time. A tasty drink for yours might be the answer!
Common Questions:
Schefflera plants have a lengthy life expectancy.
Scheffleras can live for decades outside in the correct hardiness zones, and they can live for 25 years or more indoors.
Can you recommend a good spot in my house for Schefflera?
This tropical beauty prefers a temperature range of 55 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit in a location with plenty of strong, indirect light.
Schefflera is the only plant that comes close.
A braided type of money tree, which has a “bushier” appearance, resembles Schefflera in terms of appearance.