SITE

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