Plant Bio

Schefflera arboricola, with the common name Dwarf Umbrella, is an evergreen shrub growing to 8-9 m tall, free-standing, or clinging to the trunks of other trees. It is commonly grown as a houseplant, popular for its tolerance of neglect and poor growing conditions. It is also grown as a landscape plant in milder climates where frosts are not severe. Numerous cultivars have been selected for variations in leaf colour and pattern, often variegated with creamy-white to yellow edges or centres, and dwarf forms.

There are two very important parts to proper schefflera care. The first is correct sunlight, and the second is proper watering.

Light – Schefflera plants are medium light plants, which means that they need bright but indirect light. A common complaint about Schefflera plants is that they get leggy and floppy. This problem is caused by too little light. Making sure that you are growing schefflera in the right kind of light will help prevent leggy growth. On the other side, you do not want to place a schefflera houseplant in direct, bright light, as this will burn the leaves.

Water – When growing schefflera, be aware that watering correctly will help to keep your schefflera houseplant healthy. To water correctly, wait until the soil in the pot dries out and then thoroughly soak the soil when you water. Often, people will overwater their schefflera plant and this will eventually kill it. Yellow leaves that fall off the plant is a sign that you may be watering too much.

Schefflera plants are poisonous to people and animals if eaten. It is not often fatal but will cause a burning sensation, swelling, difficulty swallowing, and in severe cases, difficulty breathing.

Every plant is unique and can therefore differ from the plant shown on the photo.