I nonetheless bear in mind the primary time I introduced house a Schefflera (It was a deep inexperienced Schefflera amate).
I had no concept what I used to be doing, however the shiny inexperienced leaves and umbrella-like form completely pulled me in. Quick ahead just a few years, and I’ve lastly found out methods to preserve this magnificence alive and thriving.
So, in case you’re gazing a Schefflera proper now questioning why it appears just a little unhappy, otherwise you’re fascinated with getting one, you’re in the best place.
Right here’s every part I’ve realized about Schefflera plant care with out the boring stuff.
Schefflera (Umbrella Plant) Description
Schefflera, usually known as the umbrella plant (you’ll know why whenever you see the leaf form), is a tropical plant initially from Australia and elements of Asia.
It is tremendous widespread as a houseplant as a result of it’s low-maintenance if you give it what it desires. There are just a few differing kinds, however the commonest are Schefflera arboricola (the dwarf model) and Schefflera actinophylla (which will get a lot greater).
These vegetation can develop a number of ft tall indoors, and with the best care, they’ll look lush and chic year-round.
One of the best half?
They don’t have to be fussed over each day. However they do have ‘opinions’ and so they’ll present them if one thing’s off.
Sorts of Schefflera: Which one’s best for you?
There are literally fairly just a few totally different sorts of Schefflera, and so they every have their very own traits.
- Schefflera arboricola: Often known as the dwarf umbrella tree, this one is the commonest houseplant selection. It has smaller, extra compact leaves and is nice for small areas or tabletops. You’ll additionally discover variegated variations with creamy yellow or white patterns. Tremendous eye-catching.
- Schefflera actinophylla: That is the bigger, full-size model, generally known as the octopus tree. It has huge leaves that may develop fairly massive, and it’s higher suited to ground pots or outside planting in heat climates. The scientific identify was lately modified to Heptapleurum actinophyllum.
- Schefflera ‘Amate’: A shiny, deep inexperienced number of Schefflera actinophylla that’s usually bred to be extra disease-resistant and deal with decrease mild higher.
- Schefflera ‘Gold Capella’: A cultivar of S. arboricola with hanging gold and inexperienced variegated foliage. This one brings a vivid pop of shade to any room.
There are others, however these are the preferred ones you’ll run into at nurseries or backyard facilities.
Propagate Schefflera Vegetation
Scheffleras are tremendous enjoyable to propagate, particularly in case you love the concept of turning one plant into many. The simplest technique? Stem cuttings.
Right here’s how I do it:
- Reduce a wholesome stem with a minimum of 4–6 inches in size.
- Take away the decrease leaves so solely the highest few stay.
- Dip the reduce finish in rooting hormone (elective, however useful).
- Place it in water or a moist potting combine.
- If utilizing soil, cowl the pot with a plastic bag to maintain humidity excessive whereas roots kind.
It often takes just a few weeks to see new roots. As soon as they’re about an inch lengthy, you possibly can pot the reducing in common soil. I’ve had the perfect luck doing this in spring or early summer season.
Planting Schefflera in Pots
Scheffleras do rather well in containers, so long as the pot has good drainage.
I’ve discovered that plastic or ceramic pots with drainage holes work greatest. Keep away from something with out holes until you are actually assured together with your watering.
When planting in a pot, begin with recent potting combine (one thing well-draining, like I discussed above). Select a pot that’s simply a few inches wider than the basis ball.
Schefflera truly prefers to be just a little comfortable.
An excessive amount of room can result in overwatering issues.
And ensure you elevate your pot barely or use a saucer to catch extra water. No one desires a rotting backside.
Schefflera Plant Care: Suggestions and Tips
Mild publicity
Scheffleras love vivid, oblique mild.
Suppose close to a sunny window however not proper within the direct sunbeam. An excessive amount of direct daylight can scorch the leaves (been there, achieved that). However, too little mild and it’ll begin getting leggy and dropping leaves quicker than I drop obligations on a Friday afternoon.
In case your Schefflera isn’t getting sufficient mild, you’ll discover the leaves turning yellow and falling off. That’s its means of claiming, “Hey, assist me out right here.”
Tip: For those who’ve acquired sheer curtains or a north- or east-facing window, that’s often good. And if all else fails, a superb develop mild works wonders.
Watering and soil moisture
This plant is very clear about one factor: don’t let it sit in soggy soil. Overwatering is the primary technique to kill a Schefflera. (Many have achieved it.)
Let the highest inch or two of soil dry out between waterings. Stick your finger within the pot. If it feels dry, it’s time to water. If it’s nonetheless damp, give it just a few days. And whenever you water, go all in, completely soak the soil till water drains out the underside.
Simply ensure you empty the saucer afterward. No one likes moist ft, least of all a Schefflera.
Humidity and Temperature
Because it’s a tropical plant, Schefflera likes it heat and barely humid, however not rainforest-level humidity.
Regular family humidity is often advantageous, but when your air is tremendous dry (particularly in winter), it’s value misting it each few days or utilizing a small humidifier close by. Right here’s a listing of the perfect humidifiers for vegetation.
They’re happiest between 60–75°F (16–24°C). Maintain them away from drafts, heaters, or air conditioners. I as soon as parked mine too near a vent, and let’s simply say it responded with an prompt leaf dump.
Potting Soil/Combine
Common potting combine is okay, however in case you can, go for a well-draining combine.
I like mixing potting soil with a little bit of perlite or sand to enhance drainage. Something that stops water from hanging out too lengthy is a win.
In case your Schefflera is in soil that stays moist for too lengthy, root rot can set in, and that’s actually laborious to bounce again from.
Fertilizer software
In the course of the rising season (spring and summer season), give it a dose of balanced liquid fertilizer as soon as a month. I exploit a 10-10-10 combine diluted to half energy.
Don’t overdo it. Extra fertilizer doesn’t imply quicker progress, it simply results in burnt roots and unhappy vibes.
In fall and winter, you possibly can take a break from feeding. The plant’s progress naturally slows down, and it gained’t be as hungry.
Pruning your schefflera
One of many cool issues about Schefflera is that you may prune it to manage its form. If it’s getting too tall or leggy, simply snip the highest off (yep, it’ll survive). New branches will sprout from the reduce, making it bushier.
I truly take pleasure in pruning mine, it’s type of like giving it a haircut. Plus, it helps stop it from turning right into a lanky mess.
Repotting each couple of years
For those who discover roots poking out the underside of the pot or your Schefflera is drying out tremendous quick, it is perhaps time to repot. Sometimes, each 2–3 years is sweet. Simply go up one pot measurement at a time. Don’t go too huge, or the soil can keep too moist.
And use that as an opportunity to refresh the soil and verify for any root points. For those who spot brown, mushy roots, trim these off earlier than repotting.
Widespread Points (and methods to repair them)
Leaf drop: That is the plant’s means of protesting. It may very well be an excessive amount of water, not sufficient mild, or sudden temperature modifications. Begin with these and modify.
Sticky leaves or black sooty mould? You may need aphids or scale. Wipe the leaves clear and deal with with insecticidal cleaning soap or neem oil.
Leggy progress: It’s most likely not getting sufficient mild. Transfer it to a brighter spot and think about pruning.
Overwintering
For those who reside in USDA zones 10–12, you possibly can develop Schefflera exterior all 12 months.
Fortunate you!
It truly thrives outdoor in heat, humid climates and might get fairly massive.
However in case you reside someplace that will get frosty, preserve it in a pot so you possibly can carry it indoors when temperatures drop under 50°F (10°C).
Conclusion
Truthfully, Scheffleras are nice when you get the grasp of them. They don’t ask for a lot, however they may let you understand when one thing’s not proper.
I’ve discovered that they’re an ideal “level-up” plant. One thing to maneuver on to after pothos or snake vegetation.
And there’s one thing satisfying about watching these umbrella-shaped leaves unfold. It simply provides life to an area.
For those who’ve acquired a Schefflera or are contemplating getting one, I say go for it. Give it some mild, don’t drown it, and verify in on it from time to time.
That’s all of the plant wants.