Schefflera Care Guide

Schefflera, also known as the Umbrella Plant, is a reliable evergreen houseplant with glossy, palmate leaves and a naturally bushy growth habit. It is fairly forgiving and can cope with the occasional missed watering, making it a good choice for beginners.

Schefflera at a Glance

Common names: Umbrella Plant, Dwarf Umbrella Tree and Octopus Tree.

Latin names: Schefflera arboricola, now classified as Heptapleurum arboricolum, is the smaller species most commonly grown as a houseplant. Schefflera actinophylla is the larger Umbrella Tree.

Origin: Subtropical parts of Asia and the Pacific, where these plants grow in warm, humid forests.

Care level: Beginner-friendly.

Light Requirements

Schefflera prefers bright, indirect light but will tolerate medium light. An east-facing window or a spot a little way back from a brighter south or west-facing window usually works well.

Variegated varieties need more light to maintain their colouring. If the plant becomes tall and sparse or starts producing smaller leaves, it probably needs more light. Bleached patches or crispy leaves can indicate too much direct sun.

How Often to Water Schefflera

Allow the top few centimetres of compost to dry before watering again. When you do water, soak the compost thoroughly and allow the excess to drain away.

Schefflera does not enjoy sitting in wet compost, so always use a pot with drainage holes. Overwatering can cause yellowing leaves and root problems, while prolonged dryness can lead to drooping and leaf drop.

Your watering routine will naturally change throughout the year. You may need to water more often during spring and summer and less frequently during the darker, cooler months.

Humidity and Temperature

Schefflera is reasonably tolerant of average household humidity, so you do not need to create a tropical rainforest in your living room. Keep it away from cold draughts, radiators and very cold rooms.

Aim for temperatures above 10°C, with normal room temperatures being ideal.

Soil and Repotting

Use a free-draining houseplant compost that holds some moisture without becoming waterlogged. A mix containing perlite or pumice will help improve drainage and keep the roots aerated.

Repot every two to three years, or when the roots have filled the existing pot. Only move up one pot size at a time, as an oversized pot can hold too much moisture around the roots.

Feeding

Feed Schefflera every two to three weeks during spring and summer using a balanced houseplant fertiliser. Reduce feeding in autumn and winter when growth naturally slows.

Pruning

Schefflera responds well to pruning and can be cut back if it becomes tall or leggy. Pruning in spring encourages new branches and helps maintain a fuller shape.

You can also pinch out the growing tips to encourage bushier growth.

Propagation

Schefflera can be propagated from stem cuttings. Take a healthy cutting just below a node and remove the lower leaves. Place it in a moist, free-draining growing medium and keep it somewhere warm with bright, indirect light while roots develop.

Final Thoughts

Schefflera is a relatively straightforward houseplant as long as you get the basics right. Give it plenty of bright, indirect light, let the compost dry slightly between waterings and keep it away from cold draughts. With the right conditions, it can grow into a substantial, leafy plant with very little fuss.