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The umbrella plant is one of the fastest, most forgiving indoor shrubs: give it bright indirect light and water when the top of the soil dries, and it can put on 30cm or more a year. It shrugs off pruning (it's a classic beginner bonsai) but drops leaves in dark corners and soggy soil. Contains calcium oxalate crystals, so keep it from pets. Typically $10-$30.
Key facts
- One of the fastest-growing common houseplants; in good light it can gain 30-60cm a year and reach ceiling height if never pruned.
- Takes hard pruning better than almost any houseplant, which is why it's a favorite beginner indoor bonsai subject.
- Contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals: chewing causes mouth pain and drooling in cats and dogs, so it's not pet-safe.
- The dwarf umbrella plant (arboricola) is the common houseplant; its big-leaved relative Schefflera actinophylla is a full tree and an invasive weed in Florida and Hawaii.
Care requirements#
| Plant type | Indoor houseplant; outdoor shrub in USDA 10-12 |
| Growing medium | Standard well-draining potting mix |
| Light needs | Bright indirect light; tolerates medium light but grows leggy; variegated forms need more light |
| Water frequency | When the top 3-4cm of soil dries, roughly every 7-10 days |
| Humidity | Average home humidity is fine |
| Temperature range | 16-27°C (60-80°F); keep above 10°C (50°F) |
| Fertilizer | Balanced liquid feed monthly in spring-summer |
| Soil pH | 6.0-7.0 |
| Drainage needs | Good; chronically wet soil causes leaf drop and root rot |
| Pot recommendation | Any pot with drainage; heavy pot helps as the plant gets tall |
| Hardiness zone (outdoor) | USDA 10-12 |
| Toxicity | Toxic to cats and dogs (calcium oxalate crystals); sap can irritate skin |
Growth & propagation#
| Mature size | 1.5-2.5m indoors if unpruned; 3-4m outdoors |
| Growth rate | Fast; 30-60cm per year in bright light |
| Propagation methods | Stem cuttings in water or soil; air layering for thick stems |
| Propagation difficulty | Easy to moderate; cuttings root in a few weeks with warmth |
| Repotting schedule | Every 1-2 years; it fills pots quickly |
| Pruning needs | Prune freely in spring to control height and force bushiness; it back-buds readily |
Common problems & troubleshooting#
| Symptom | Likely cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves dropping steadily | Overwatering or a spot that's too dark | Let soil dry further between waterings and move to brighter indirect light; scheffleras drop leaves fast when unhappy but recover just as fast |
| Long bare stems with tufts of leaves at the top | Insufficient light (etiolation) | Move brighter and prune hard in spring; new growth breaks from the bare stems |
| Sticky residue on leaves and floor | Scale insects or aphids excreting honeydew; scale is a signature schefflera pest | Wipe stems and leaf undersides with alcohol-dipped swabs, then treat with horticultural oil every 1-2 weeks until clear |
| Yellow leaves low on the plant, soil stays wet for days | Root rot beginning | Unpot, trim mushy roots, repot in fresh draining mix, and water only when the top few cm are dry |
| Variegated leaves reverting to plain green | Too little light to sustain variegation | Give brighter light and prune out all-green shoots so they don't take over |
Fast grower, simple rhythm
Sodate reminds you when the topsoil has dried, the one watering rule a schefflera actually needs.
Seasonal care#
Varieties & cultivars#
| Variety | Distinguishing trait | Note |
|---|---|---|
| 'Gold Capella' | Leaves splashed with golden-yellow variegation | The most common variegated form |
| 'Trinette' | Cream-and-green variegated leaflets | Needs brighter light than green forms |
| 'Luseane' | Compact, small-leaved dwarf form | Popular for indoor bonsai |
Buying checklist#
- Full foliage from base to top, not bare lower stems
- No sticky film or brown bumps along stems (scale)
- Glossy, firm leaflets; wilting despite moist soil signals root trouble
- Multiple stems per pot gives a bushier plant long-term
Pricing by region#
| Region | Price range | Typical unit | Basis |
|---|---|---|---|
| US | $10 – $30 | 6in pot | Big-box + nursery retail |
| UK | $9 – $30 | 12-17cm pot | Garden centre retail |
| India | $1 – $4 | 6in pot | Local nursery + online |
| Australia | $10 – $26 | 140-200mm pot | Nursery + garden centre |
| Canada | $10 – $29 | 6in pot | Garden centre retail |
USD figures are approximate conversions for comparison; switch the dropdown to see each region's actual local-currency listing price.
Often confused with#
Name confusion warning#
"Umbrella plant" names several species. Besides Schefflera arboricola, the name is used for the sedge Cyperus alternifolius (a semi-aquatic plant with totally different care) and the giant Darmera peltata. Check the botanical name before following care advice.
Where it's actually grown#
Retail scheffleras are propagated from cuttings and seed in tropical foliage nurseries in Florida, China, and the Netherlands; braided, tree-form, and bonsai styles are trained for a year or more before sale, which drives their higher prices.
Import & biosecurity restrictions#
| Region | Note |
|---|---|
| Australia | Live plant imports restricted under biosecurity law; note the related S. actinophylla is a declared environmental weed in parts of QLD. |
| US | Domestic sale unrestricted; related S. actinophylla is listed invasive in Florida and Hawaii. |
| UK | No specific restriction; houseplant only. |
| India | No restriction; common nursery shrub. |
| Canada | CFIA permits required for commercial imports; houseplant only. |
Similar plants
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Frequently asked questions
Is the umbrella plant toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes, mildly. It contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause mouth irritation, drooling, and vomiting if chewed.
Why is my umbrella plant dropping leaves?
The two usual causes are soggy soil and too little light. Fix the drainage, brighten the spot, and it typically regrows quickly.
How fast does a schefflera grow?
Fast for a houseplant: 30-60cm a year in bright indirect light. Prune each spring to keep it bushy.
Can I cut my umbrella plant back hard?
Yes. It back-buds readily even from bare wood, which is why it's a popular beginner bonsai subject.
How much does an umbrella plant cost?
A 6-inch pot runs $10-$30 in the US; tall tree-form or braided specimens cost $50 and up.
