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Schefflera

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  • Indoor Plants
Schefflera actinophylla
Photo: Jardin botanique de Montréal (Normand Fleury)
Schefflera actinophylla
  • Schefflera actinophylla
  • Schefflera 'Amate Soleil'

Onglets

Botany

Origin and description

Schefflera is a tree that can reach up to 10 metres in the wild. It grows in porous soils rich in organic matter in the tropical regions of Australia and Asia. It is grown as a houseplant because of its digitate leaves made up of five to seven oblong leaflets. This hardy plant can grow to two to three metres and thrive for many years as a houseplant.

Species, cultivars and related plants

Schefflera arboricola is a species similar to Schefflera actinophylla. It is popular for its dense, shrub-like shape along with its smaller and narrower dark green leaves. It can tolerate lower light levels than Schefflera actinophylla. Variegated cultivars generally require bright light and a minimum temperature of 16 to 18ºC.

Toxicity

This plant is toxic so be careful to keep it out of the reach of children and pets.

Common name

Schefflera / Australian umbrella tree

Latin name (genus)

Schefflera actinophylla (syn. Brassaia actinophylla)

English common name

Schefflera / Australian umbrella tree

French common name

Schefflera / Arbre ombrelle

Botanical family

  • Araliaceae
Horticulture

Growing conditions

Schefflera tolerates low light but does best in bright indirect light. Place it in a west- or east-facing window. This plant adapts well to normal household temperatures (18 to 21°C). Slightly cooler temperatures (16 to 18ºC) are tolerated, especially in winter, but leaf drop will occur below 13°C. Schefflera will tolerate higher temperatures provided the humidity is also high. In summer, you can move it outdoors to a sheltered spot out of direct sunlight and wind.

Easy to grow?

Schefflera is relatively easy to grow. It adapts well as a houseplant. It is mostly sensitive to sudden changes in temperature, and flowers indoors only exceptionally.

Watering and fertilizer

In summer, water well to thoroughly moisten the rootball without drenching it, then allow the soil surface to dry out between waterings. In winter, water sparingly and let the soil dry out more deeply. Fertilize Schefflera three or four times a year, during the growing period, with a balanced indoor plant food or an all-purpose fertilizer like 20-20-20.

Pruning and maintenance

Shower off dusty leaves with lukewarm water. Regularly turn the pot a few degrees to keep the plant symmetrical.  Pinch back new shoots in spring to encourage ramification and keep the plant compact, or cut back overgrown plants.

Repotting

Schefflera requires a rich, light, slightly acidic soil that drains well. Repot young plants every year. Repot mature plants every two years or when the plant is obviously potbound. A potting mix of peat moss, potting soil and perlite (or coarse sand) or a good potting mix for indoor plants is generally suitable.

Propagation

By woody stem cuttings.

See also

Pests and diseases
  • Pseudococcus adonidum

    Scales (Indoor)

    The scale insect superfamily (Coccoidea) includes several genera of sucking insects capable of damaging indoor plants. Most of them are tropical, non-hardy species, but they adapt very well to our homes.

  • Tetranychus urticae

    Two-Spotted Spider Mite

    Two-spotted spider mites are not true insects, but tiny arthropods, just like other mites and ticks. With their four pairs of legs, they look like miniature spiders. They are so small that they are difficult to see, but they do weave tell-tale whitish webbing.

Physiological disorders
Symptoms Possible causes Solutions

Long brownish blisters on leaves and stems (edema)

Overwatering so that water accumulates in plant tissues

Cut back on watering

Leaves turn yellow and drop off, and moist soil

Waterlogged soil

Cut back on watering, allow soil to partially dry out between waterings

Leaves pale

Soil temperature below 15°C

Increase room temperature and use room-temperature water

Leaves drop off

Temperature below 13°C

Increase temperature