Umbrella Tree

Botanical Name

Schefflera actinophylla

Hardiness

Zones 10 to 12

Height

8 feet plus

Light

Medium to bright indirect light

Soil

Moist, well-drained

Planting & Care

Prune to control height and to encourage fuller growth
Allow the top 1/2 inch of soil to dry between waterings
Place pot on top of a few pebbles in a saucer. This will keep the plant out of standing water but allow the collected water to provide humidity through evaporation.
Schefflera will drop leaves with excessive water, low humidity or when exposed to temperature extremes, avoid drafts or heat vents
Propagate by cuttings or air layering

Problems

Mites, mealybugs, scale, root rot in pooly drained planting mixes, leaf spot

Varieties

Amate - shows resistance to leaf spot and spider mites, compact growth
Schefflera arboricola 'Variegata' - dwarf form, variegated green and yellow foliage