Soil Requirements
The umbrella plant is a popular houseplant, but it’s not as popular as Aloe Vera or Basil. However, similar to other houseplants, the Umbrella plant is easy to care for, and it’s low-maintenance, too! So if you’re a new plant parent, the Umbrella plant is a great choice. Also known as Schefflera, the Umbrella plant’s name came from its glossy, long, oval green leaves that droop gracefully from a central stalk, resembling, of course, an umbrella. It originated in Australia, Hainan, and Taiwan. The Umbrella plant can grow 6 feet tall and 3 to 4 feet wide indoors. Umbrella plant care is generally easy. This accounts for its increasing popularity over time.
Umbrella trees have long shiny leaves and somewhat woody stems. In tropical rainforests or USDA zones9-11, they can grow up to 15 feet in height. As houseplants, their height usually reaches 6.5 feet. Now that’s literally huge. That’s also why they are one of those large indoor plants out there you can take care of.
The umbrella plant is toxic for both pets and humans.
Umbrella Plant Care: Light Requirements
Umbrella trees are used to grow under the rainforest canopy, so they are medium-light plants. This means they thrive in bright but indirect light or filtered sunlight. They do well in a well-lit corner or by a north-facing window, making them a great way to brighten up a room!
How Often to Water Umbrella Tree?
For the best care routine, allow the plant dry out between watering sessions.
When it’s time to water, a thorough soaking, especially in the growing summer season, is critical.
Soil Requirements
Like most tropical houseplants, rich soil which is good for drainage works best. You can add some perlite to the mix if the soil seems to hold too much water.
Umbrella Plant Care: Fertilization
Not generally needed but if desired: Fertilize the umbrella plant during spring and, optionally, throughout summer. You can use a slow-release fertilizer or a water-soluble one.
Umbrella Plant Propagation and Blooming
When grown outdoors in its native rainforests, the plant will bloom. As a house plant, flowering is unusual, no matter how spot-on your umbrella plant care routine is. But I think its design as a plant alone gives a good impression to people or visitors at offices.
Schefflera can easily be propagated from cuttings in water. They generally root within a few weeks and most also grow new leaves in the meantime.
Light
Bright filtered light
Soil
Rich and well-draining
Water
Medium
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