The Schefflera, also known as the Umbrella Tree, is a total classic for a reason. It’s super decorative and famously easygoing, which is why you’ll see this exotic beauty brightening up everything from living rooms to office cubicles. But if you want yours to really thrive, getting the watering right is key.
How much water does a Schefflera actually need?
Even though they can grow pretty tall and have those lush, oversized leaves, Scheffleras are surprisingly light drinkers. While you don’t want the soil to turn into a desert (especially in the summer), “wet feet” are way more dangerous than a little drought. And just a heads-up: drenching your plant won’t force a bloom. In fact, overwatering usually does the exact opposite!
During the summer, aim to keep the soil consistently light and springy. A good rule of thumb is to water about once a week. If the soil feels parched before then, give it a sip; if it’s still soggy when your “watering day” rolls around, hold off. In the winter, the plant goes into a bit of a rest mode, so you’ll only need to water about every 10 days.
What happens if I overwater?
If a Schefflera gets too much love (aka too much water), it’ll start dropping leaves pretty quickly. This is often a sign that root rot has already set in. To prevent this, always double-check that there’s no standing water left in the saucer or the decorative outer pot after you’re done watering.
How does the Schefflera handle underwatering?
The good news is that these plants are pretty resilient and can handle a short dry spell. However, if they go too long without a drink, you’ll start seeing brown leaves. If you see browning, check the soil immediately—but be careful! Brown leaves can also be a sign of overwatering, so always do the finger test before adding more water.
The Quick Cheat Sheet:
- Water about once a week in the summer.
- Scale back to every 10 days in the winter.
- When in doubt, lean toward underwatering—they handle it better.
- Too much water invites pests and nasty root rot.
Pro Tip: The best time to water your Schefflera is when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
