How to Care for the Umbrella Tree (Schefflera)
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About the Umbrella Tree
The Umbrella Tree, also known as Schefflera, is a tropical wonder celebrated for its resilience and ease of care, making it a favourite among plant enthusiasts. This versatile plant is available in both variegated and solid green forms. The variegated variety shows off clusters of striking golden-yellow and green oval-shaped leaflets, while the solid green type has lush, deep emerald foliage. Both are nicknamed ‘Umbrella Tree’ because of the playful, canopy-like clusters of leaves.
Native to the subtropical forests of Asia and Australia, this evergreen shrub effortlessly brings the jungle indoors and brightens any room with its graceful presence.
Other common names
- Umbrella Plant
- Dwarf Umbrella Tree
- Parasol Plant
- Octopus Tree
- Schefflera Actinophylla
- Schefflera Arboricola
How Often Should I Water My Umbrella Tree?
Keeping to a regular watering routine can be tricky, especially if you have multiple plants. With easyplant, it couldn’t be simpler - just check the reservoir about once a month, top it up when empty, and your Umbrella Tree will always get the right amount of water.
Umbrella Tree Light Needs
The Umbrella Tree grows best in a spot with bright direct light, where sunlight streams in freely, though it can also adapt to bright indirect light, where the rays are softened. Avoid placing it in areas with low light or in rooms without natural sunlight.
An east-facing window is excellent for providing bright, indirect light. You can also place the plant near a south- or west-facing window, but avoid putting it directly in the sun’s path, as harsh rays can scorch the leaves. A sheer curtain can be used to gently diffuse the afternoon light if needed.
Umbrella Tree Plant Care
During your Umbrella Tree’s first few days at home, you may notice some yellowing or dropped leaves - this is nothing to worry about. Simply remove the leaf by gently shaking it off or trimming it away, and look forward to fresh, well-adjusted growth taking its place.
To encourage even, healthy growth, dust the leaves occasionally and rotate the pot by a quarter turn once a month, ensuring all sides receive sufficient light. To maintain its elegant shape and height, you may also prune it from time to time as needed.
How Big Do Umbrella Trees Grow?
The Umbrella Tree is a tropical plant that has adapted to life beneath dense forest canopies, which makes it perfectly suited to the light conditions of a typical home. Indoors, the Umbrella Tree is a steady grower, while outdoors it can grow much more rapidly.
There are two main species commonly kept as houseplants: Schefflera arboricola and Schefflera actinophylla. Schefflera arboricola is the more popular of the two and, when grown indoors, can reach up to 15 feet tall and around 3 to 4 feet wide, while outdoors it may soar to as much as 50 feet. Schefflera actinophylla is the smaller variety, usually reaching no more than 6 feet indoors and around 25 feet outdoors.
Depending on the species, it typically takes an Umbrella Tree between 3 and 14 years to reach maturity, with an average growth of 30 to 60 centimetres each year.
Temperature & Humidity
The ideal temperature range for the Umbrella Tree is typical room temperature, between 15–23°C. Avoid placing it in spots that are too cold or prone to drying out, such as near radiators, fans, draughts, or heating and cooling vents. If the plant becomes too cold, it may begin to drop leaves.
As this plant is native to tropical climates, it thrives in fairly high humidity. In most homes, you’ll be fine as long as temperatures are consistently above 15°C. To create extra humidity, place a tray of water nearby, use a humidifier, group it with other plants, or keep it in naturally more humid rooms such as the kitchen or bathroom.
Are Umbrella Trees Toxic for Pets & Children?
Some plants add a lovely aesthetic to the home and adapt well to indoor environments but may not be safe in households with pets or young children. When choosing a houseplant, it’s important to know whether it poses any risk if touched or ingested.
If eaten, the Umbrella Tree can be moderately toxic, so it’s best to keep it well out of reach of curious pets and children. Ingestion may cause mouth numbness, vomiting, and other gastrointestinal issues. Cats and dogs are equally sensitive to the plant. In pets, you may also notice excessive drooling, irritation in the mouth (including the lips and tongue), and difficulty swallowing.
The sap of the Umbrella Tree contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can also be a skin irritant. If you experience irritation when handling the plant, wearing gloves is recommended.
Troubleshooting Common Problems with Umbrella Trees
Part of plant care is observing how your plant is faring in its environment so you can make adjustments when needed. Every houseplant shows different signs when it isn’t thriving.
If your Umbrella Tree becomes overgrown or too leggy, prune it back periodically to encourage a fuller, bushier shape. Yellowing leaves are often a sign of overwatering or insufficient light. First, check that you’re not overfilling the easyplant reservoir. If the problem continues, try moving the plant to a brighter spot.
If you notice tiny brown spots, sticky residue, small holes, or fine webbing on the leaves or stems, your plant may have a pest issue. Common culprits include spider mites, aphids, or scale. Treat the plant with neem oil, warm soapy water, or an insecticidal soap to keep infestations under control.
Frequently Asked Questions about Schefflera Plant
- Do Umbrella Trees like to be misted?
Umbrella Trees, also known as Scheffleras, prefer humidity levels between 40–60%. Light misting can raise humidity slightly around the plant, but avoid misting too often or too heavily, as this may encourage fungal or bacterial issues on the leaves. A more effective option is to use a humidifier or place a tray of water nearby to increase humidity. Misting is usually unnecessary in winter when watering is reduced and the soil is allowed more time to dry out.
- Are Umbrella Trees easy to care for?
Umbrella Trees are moderately easy to look after, provided you follow the correct care routine. They can be a little temperamental with watering, so it’s important to strike the right balance to prevent yellowing or browning leaves. They are also sensitive to temperature, so avoid placing them near air conditioning units, draughts, or cold spots.
- Why are the leaves falling off my Umbrella Tree?
There are several possible reasons why your Umbrella Tree may be dropping leaves. If it has recently been moved or brought into the home, it could simply be adjusting to its new environment – try to avoid relocating it too often. Leaf drop can also be caused by exposure to cold temperatures, as this plant needs a minimum of 15°C to thrive. Ensure your home is warm enough, and keep the plant away from draughts, vents, fans, or heaters. Another common cause is insufficient light; make sure your Umbrella Tree is placed somewhere with enough natural light to support healthy growth.