The Mini Schefflera arbicola is a smaller variant of the larger Umbrella Trees (Schefflera actinophylla), thus it can be a good option if you’re on the lookout for a smaller version. In ideal conditions, these indoor plants can grow up to six feet tall. It is possible to trim them back if they become overly lanky or slender. In the early spring, before new growth develops, this is best done. In nature, they bloom on a regular basis, but indoors, they’re less likely to do so. The most common name comes from the way the leaves are arranged in a whorl, resembling the top of an umbrella. The secret to cultivating these indoor plants successfully is to provide them with consistently wet soil throughout the growing season (soil that never completely dries out, but is not constantly saturated). When used in a cluster or on their own, these glossy leaves define a space with their subtle elegance and provide a different feel from other potted houseplants.
The umbrella plant is one of my favorite houseplants (Schefflera or Heptapleurum). There are eight spokes on the plant’s foliage, which makes it look like an umbrella; this is why it’s called “umbrella plant.”
It is not uncommon to discover variations of umbrella plants with distinctive leaf markings, albeit they do not produce flowers. Although these plants are simple to take care of, doing it in the wrong way might be harmful to them. Beautiful, luxuriant umbrella plants are within your grasp now, thanks to this guide.
Important! If you have dogs or little children, you should be especially vigilant when it comes to Umbrella Trees.
A Guide to Growing and Maintaining Umbrella Plants
One of the tallest plants in your home is possible if you give it the attention it needs. Its rapid growth means you can grow a very large plant in just one growing season. Learn how to properly take care of your umbrella plant with these helpful hints.
Taking care of Umbrellas using a Watering Can
Because umbrella plants thrive in damp soil, you’ll need to water them frequently to keep them healthy. If the plant is overwatered, the leaves will turn yellow, and if it is underwatered, they will droop. You may be sure you’re feeding the plant with enough water by waiting until the top of the soil is dry before watering again.
Maintaining the Health of Umbrella Plants
Because these plants grow so much each season, they require a lot of energy to keep up with the demand. Regular liquid fertilizer should be used every two to three weeks. It’s time to cease fertilizing the plant after it reaches the height you want it to be at. One to two times a year should suffice.
Needs that are minimal
A lot of light is needed, however, they should never be placed directly in the sun’s rays. The leaves will burn if exposed to direct sunlight for more than a few minutes each day. If one side of the plant appears to be growing better than the other, try turning the plant around so that the other side gets more sunlight. When your umbrella plant does not get as much sunshine as it needs, it will typically adapt to its surroundings. Even if the plant’s development slows down, it will still be healthy.
Humidity and Temperature
For Umbrella plants, it is crucial to keep the temperature of your home at a level that will not cause the plant’s leaves to fall off. Keep the temperature between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit for the optimum foliage growth. Varieties with plain green leaves tend to prefer the cooler end of the temperature range, whilst those with more ornate leaves prefer temps that are a bit warmer.
Typically, the humidity level in your home is sufficient for umbrella plants, as they don’t need much water. If the air is too dry, spray the leaves every now and then to add some extra moisture. This is also a wonderful strategy to ensure that the plant’s leaves don’t become covered in dust. If you’re dealing with a pest infestation, increasing the humidity may assist address the problem by discouraging the bugs.
Repotting, Pruning and Propagation are all examples of this
The rapid growth of these plants means that you may need to prune them to maintain their desired form and size. Even if you severely trim away a large portion of the plant, it will grow back even stronger than before. Sluggish plants can benefit greatly from this method of boosting their health and beauty.
Every three years or so, an umbrella plant will need to be replanted. When the roots begin to grow out of the pot’s drainage holes, it’s time to repot the plant. Make careful to select a pot large enough to accommodate the plant’s height, and always repot Umbrella plants in spring.
Cuttings from an established plant can be used for propagation. To aid in the establishment of new growth, these cuttings should be at least two inches long. The growing tip of the plant should not be buried in the soil, so watch out for that! If you have trouble getting the cuttings to take, you can try starting them from seeds.
Fertilizer
Fertilizing these plants once a month during the growing season using 14 diluted complete fertilizers can help them thrive. Before applying fertilizer to your plants, make sure you water them first.
Tips from the Experts
Your Schefflera should be rotated regularly to keep it in good health and full of leaves.
- Protect your plants from pests and disease by removing any dead or decaying foliage.
- So, go ahead and grow some more of these beauties!
- Umbrella plant issues that are frequently encountered
Common Issues
It’s possible to grow umbrella plants in your home, but you’ll need to deal with some challenges. It’s important to know that this plant is harmful to dogs and cats, especially if you have any. Therefore, if they consume the plant’s leaves, they will almost certainly get sick. Plant growth is affected by a number of factors, including:
• Fungal Leaf Spots – Black or dark brown dots emerge on the leaves of a plant that has this disease. After a while, dead leaves will fall from affected trees, allowing the disease to take root in new areas. It is best to eliminate an infected area before it has a chance to spread in order to avoid this.
• Leaf Spots Infected by Bacteria – If your plant’s leaves have yellow patches, it may be suffering from a bacterial disease. Remove the spotted leaves as soon as possible to avoid this problem.
• Root Rot – Toxic root rot can occur in Umbrella plants when watering is overdone. Do not let the plant sit in water, and if you notice any signs of root rot, remove the affected roots and replace them with fresh ones.
• Insects and other critters – When the weather is dry, spider mites are a regular concern for umbrella plants. Make sure to wipe the leaves clean and elevate the humidity levels in the room if you find any webbing on them.
An umbrella plant is a little tree that adds an air of sophistication to your room. They are an excellent choice for the front door of your home, and they can be pruned to fit your needs. When seeking a beautiful plant that doesn’t bloom indoors, look no further than a beautiful umbrella plant.