The Schefflera, often called the Umbrella Tree, is a total showstopper for any office or living room. These beauties come in everything from deep, lush greens to striking variegated patterns, and while some can reach up to six feet tall, there are plenty of compact dwarf varieties for smaller spaces.
Finding the Perfect Spot for Your Umbrella Tree
Scheffleras love a bright, warm spot, but they aren’t big fans of direct sunlight—so you’ll want to skip that south-facing window. A huge plus? They’re actually great at purifying the air, making them the perfect green companion for your home or workspace.
Watering and Feeding Your Schefflera
Even though they have tropical roots, Scheffleras aren’t particularly thirsty. Generally, watering once a week in the summer is plenty, and you can even stretch that to every ten days during the winter. During the growing season, just add a bit of liquid fertilizer to your watering can once or twice a month to keep them happy.
Be careful not to overdo it, though! Scheffleras are pretty sensitive to overwatering; soggy soil can lead to root rot and cause the plant to drop its leaves. On the flip side, if you let it get too thirsty, you’ll likely notice the leaves turning brown.
Pruning Your Schefflera
Don’t be afraid to grab the shears! These plants handle pruning really well. If yours is getting a bit too tall for its britches, you can easily trim it back to size. You can even get creative and train your Schefflera into a bonsai. The best time for a haircut is in the spring, right before the new growth starts kicking in.
Winter Care
The Umbrella Tree doesn’t go into a full winter hibernation, but it does appreciate a slightly cooler spot during the chilly months. Try to keep it away from dry heater vents, as hot air can make it a magnet for pests.
Quick Care Guide:
- Location: Warm and bright, but keep it out of drafts.
- Watering: Weekly in summer, every 10 days in winter (depending on your home’s temp).
- Fertilizing: Only during the growing season, about every 2 to 4 weeks.
- Pruning: It’s very tolerant of trimming, but only do it if you want to control the shape.
- Wintering: Keep it just a few degrees cooler than in the summer.
- Repotting: Do this in spring; young plants need it yearly, while older ones can stay put longer.
Pro Tip: Keep an eye on the thermostat—Scheffleras really don’t like it when temperatures drop below 60°F (15°C).
