Do umbrella plants like to be misted?

Umbrella plants, also known as Scheffleras, prefer to be kept in humidity levels between 40-60%. Misting the leaves can increase the humidity around the plant, but it should not be misted frequently or too heavily, as this can lead to fungal or bacterial growth on the leaves. It's best to use a humidifier or place a tray of water near the plant to increase humidity levels. Misting may not be necessary during the winter when watering is pulled back to allow more time for the soil to dry out.

Are Schefflera plants easy to care for?

Schefflera plants are moderately easy to care for, provided you follow the proper care instructions. They are a bit temperamental to watering, so you must strike the right balance to avoid yellow or browning leaves. They are also temperature sensitive, so be sure not to keep them near an a/c or cold drafts.

Why are the leaves falling off my Schefflera plant?

There could be a few reasons your Schefflera plant is dropping leaves. It could be going through its adjustment period if it has just been brought into the home or if you've just relocated it. Allow it to adjust to its new location and avoid moving around too much. The dropped leaves could also be due to cold temperatures. Schefflera needs a minimum of 60˚F to thrive. If your home's temperature is adequate, ensure the plant isn't near a draft, vent, fan, or heater. Make sure your marble schefflera plant is located in a space with enough sunlight. If not, it might be the main reason for the leaves to fall off.

Plant care library / Marble Schefflera

How to Care for Marble Schefflera

About Marble Schefflera

Marble Schefflera is a tropical wonder, and its resilience and ease of care make it a plant lover's favorite. It wears clusters of striking gold and green oval-shaped leaflets that hang playfully to form little canopies, giving it the quirky nickname 'Umbrella Tree.' Native to the subtropical forests of Asia and Australia, this evergreen shrub effortlessly brings the jungle indoors and brightens up any room.

Other common names

Umbrella Plant
Dwarf Umbrella Tree
Parasol Plant
Octopus Tree
Schefflera Actinophylla
Schefflera Arboricola

How Often Should I Water My Marble Schefflera?

Getting your plant on a consistent watering schedule can be challenging, especially with multiple plants. However, with easyplant, watering your Marble Schefflera is simple. Make sure to check the easyplant reservoir once a month and fill it when empty, and you're all set! If you don't have an easyplant to make watering convenient, you'll have to know how to water your Marble Schefflera independently. Regular watering during the spring and summer months, or growing season, is necessary. Be sure to wait until the soil in the pot has almost completely dried out in between watering. During the winter, cut back on watering. If you see yellow or dropped leaves, that may be a sign that you're overwatering. Overwatering can eventually kill Marble Schefflera plants due to stem or root rot.

Marble Schefflera Light Needs

Marble Schefflera grows best in a space with bright direct light, where the sunlight streams inside directly, and can also adapt to spaces with bright indirect light, where the sun rays are diffused. Avoid placing it in spaces with low light or spaces without natural sunlight.

An east-facing window works great for bright indirect light. You can also place the plant in a south or west-facing window, but avoid putting it directly in the path of the sun's rays. Intense, full sunlight can scorch the leaves. You can always use a sheer curtain to diffuse the light.

Marble Schefflera Plant Care

On your Marble Schefflera's first few days at home, you may see yellow or dropped leaves; this is no reason for concern. Simply shake off or cut the leaf, and look forward to new and better-adjusted leaves growing. To help it grow optimally and evenly, occasionally dust the leaves and rotate the pot by a ¼ turn once a month. To maintain its aesthetic shape and height, you may periodically prune it to your liking.

How Big Do Marble Schefflera Plants Grow?

Marble Schefflera is a tropical plant that has evolved to live under the cover of thick tree canopies, so it can adapt to the light conditions inside the home and thrive. Marble Schefflera is a steady-growing plant when kept indoors and fast-growing when planted outdoors. There are two main species of schefflera that are commonly used as houseplants, called schefflera arboricola and scheflera actinophylla. The first one is the more popular of the two and can grow as high as fifteen feet tall, three to four feet wide indoors, and up to fifty feet outdoors. Schefflera Actinophylla is the smaller of the two and reaches no more than six feet indoors and twenty-five feet outdoors. Depending on the species, it typically takes this plant between three to fourteen years to reach full maturity, adding between 13 and 24 inches to its growth every year.

Temperature & Humidity

The ideal temperature for the Marble Schefflera is room temperature, between 60˚F and lower 70s (15˚C to 23˚C). Avoid placing the plant in locations that will be too cold or dry out, like AC or heating vents, near fans, space heaters, drafts, etc. If the Marble Schefflera is too cold, it will start dropping leaves. Since this plant is native to tropical climates, the Marble Schefflera enjoys fairly high humidity. You should be fine if you can maintain at least 60˚F temperatures in your home. To create a humid environment for your plant, try placing a tray of water near the plant or using a humidifier. You can also group it with other plants or place it in a bathroom or kitchen where there is naturally higher humidity.

Are Marble Schefflera Toxic for Pets & Kids?

Some plants add a pleasing aesthetic to the home and can adapt well to the indoor environment but are unsafe to keep in a house with pets and kids. When considering a houseplant, it's important to know if there is anything toxic about the plant that could harm children or animals if touched or ingested. If ingested, Marble Schefflera may be moderately toxic, so keep away from curious children and pets. Marble Schefflera could cause mouth numbness, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues if ingested. The plant is equally toxic to both dogs and cats. In pets, you may also see excessive drooling, mouth irritation (including the lips and tongue), and difficulty swallowing. The sap of the Schefflera contains calcium oxalate crystals, a possible skin irritant. If you experience irritation when handling the leaves, try wearing gloves.

Troubleshooting Common Problems with Marble Schefflera

Part of plant care is observing how your plant is fairing in its environment, so you can make adjustments if needed. Every houseplant will have different signs or tells when they aren't doing well. Here are a few things to look out for with the Marble Schefflera and what to do to fix the issue: If you notice the plant is overgrown or too leggy, you may prune it periodically to encourage fuller growth. If your plant has yellowing leaves, it could be a sign of overwatering or insufficient sunlight. First, pull back on watering. If that does not produce the desired results, consider relocating to a more brightly lit area. Brown spots on the leaves could be a sign of under-watering. Water more regularly, but still allow the soil to dry out between soakings. If you notice tiny brown dots, sticky residue, small holes, or webbing on your plant, you may have a pest problem. Treat the plant with neem oil, warm, soapy water, or insecticide soap.

Frequently Asked Questions about Marble Schefflera Plant

Do umbrella plants like to be misted?
Umbrella plants, also known as Scheffleras, prefer to be kept in humidity levels between 40-60%. Misting the leaves can increase the humidity around the plant, but it should not be misted frequently or too heavily, as this can lead to fungal or bacterial growth on the leaves. It's best to use a humidifier or place a tray of water near the plant to increase humidity levels. Misting may not be necessary during the winter when watering is pulled back to allow more time for the soil to dry out.
Are Schefflera plants easy to care for?
Schefflera plants are moderately easy to care for, provided you follow the proper care instructions. They are a bit temperamental to watering, so you must strike the right balance to avoid yellow or browning leaves. They are also temperature sensitive, so be sure not to keep them near an a/c or cold drafts.
Why are the leaves falling off my Schefflera plant?
There could be a few reasons your Schefflera plant is dropping leaves. It could be going through its adjustment period if it has just been brought into the home or if you've just relocated it. Allow it to adjust to its new location and avoid moving around too much. The dropped leaves could also be due to cold temperatures. Schefflera needs a minimum of 60˚F to thrive. If your home's temperature is adequate, ensure the plant isn't near a draft, vent, fan, or heater. Make sure your marble schefflera plant is located in a space with enough sunlight. If not, it might be the main reason for the leaves to fall off.

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