How to Care for Your Umbrella Plant: Expert Tips

The term "umbrella plant" refers to two main species: Schefflera arboricola and Schefflera actinophylla. While they share similarities, they differ in size and growth habits. S. arboricola is often grown indoors and can reach up to 10 feet tall, though it can grow as tall as 30 feet outdoors. There are also dwarf varieties available for smaller spaces. On the other hand, S. actinophylla is a larger species, classified as a hemiepiphytic tree, which can grow up to 50 feet outdoors. Keep in mind, umbrella plants are toxic to pets, so place them out of reach of dogs and cats.

American Phrase: "Bigger isn’t always better" when it comes to choosing the right umbrella plant for your space.

One of the joys of cultivating an umbrella plant is watching it grow—and it grows fast! Whether indoors or out, these plants can flourish quickly if given the right conditions. To encourage healthy growth, keep your umbrella plant warm and away from drafts. If your home is on the cooler side, consider placing a heat mat under the pot. Allow the soil to dry completely between waterings, and when you do water, soak it thoroughly. Overwatering can be fatal, so it's better to err on the side of caution. Also, ensure your plant gets plenty of indirect light, as direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.

Quick Tip: Use sandy loam soil with a slightly acidic to alkaline pH for best results.

If you live in a region within the plant’s hardiness zones (10 through 15), growing umbrella plants outdoors is a fantastic option. In areas like Southern California, Florida, and Arizona, these plants can be used as stunning landscape centerpieces. However, outdoor conditions require more frequent monitoring of soil moisture levels since the soil can dry out quickly. Some outdoor plants may need staking for support as they grow taller.

Fun Fact: Outdoor-grown umbrella plants can live for many years, adding lasting beauty to your garden.

While indoor umbrella plants rarely bloom, those grown outdoors in humid climates may produce beautiful red, white, or pink fingerlike flower clusters during the summer. To increase the chances of flowering, place your indoor plant outside during warm, humid weather. The flowers eventually develop into drupes, which are small, berry-like fruits with a pit inside. Though they’re not edible, these drupes add an extra layer of interest to your plant.

Pro Tip: Enjoy the flowers while they last, as they can be a rare treat for umbrella plant owners.

One of the appealing aspects of umbrella plants is the variety of leaf patterns available. You can choose from options like the "Sun Burst" variety, which features solid yellow leaves with green edges, or "Luseane," which has smaller, dark-green variegated leaves forming compact foliage. For those who prefer a more subtle look, the "Luseane Ivory" displays ivory-yellow variegations on dark-green leaves. If you’re short on space, the S. 'Petite' variety offers a smaller, more manageable plant with lovely variegated leaves in green and yellow.

American Phrase: "There’s something for everyone" when it comes to selecting the perfect leaf type for your home.

Opinions vary on the best fertilizing schedule for umbrella plants. Some gardeners recommend feeding the plant twice a week during the growing season with a half-strength balanced liquid fertilizer. Others suggest that monthly feedings are sufficient to promote healthy growth. If you opt for more frequent feedings, be sure to dilute the fertilizer to avoid overfeeding, which can harm the plant.

Quick Tip: Always water your plant before applying fertilizer to prevent root burn.

To keep your umbrella plant looking its best, regular pruning is essential. This fast-growing plant can become leggy without proper care, but with consistent pruning, it will stay full and lush. Start by cutting off the tops of the tallest stalks and thinning out dense clumps to ensure all parts of the plant receive adequate light. Pruning also helps maintain the plant's shape and encourages new growth.

Fun Fact: Don’t worry if you accidentally over-prune—umbrella plants are resilient and will bounce back quickly.

While propagating umbrella plants can be challenging, it’s a rewarding way to create new plants. The best time to propagate is during the summer. Cut six-inch stems from the plant, strip off all but the top two leaves, and insert the cut end into a pot filled with potting soil. Be patient, as it can take some time for the new plant to establish itself. Additionally, repotting every couple of years in the spring will keep your umbrella plant healthy and thriving.

Pro Tip: After repotting, give your plant time to recover by not moving it for several weeks

For a unique twist, try growing a dwarf schefflera as a bonsai. Not only is this easier than traditional bonsai, but the plant’s vigorous growth makes it ideal for shaping and training. Use wire to shape the branches and prune off all the leaves initially. In subsequent years, remove only the larger leaves to encourage consistent leaf size. Mist the bonsai daily and feed it with half-strength fertilizer every few weeks to maintain its health.

Quick Tip: Growing a schefflera bonsai is a long-term project, but the results are worth the patience and effort.

Even with the best care, umbrella plants can sometimes encounter issues like fungal leaf spots, root rot, or pests. Black or brown spots on the leaves often indicate a fungal problem, which can be managed by removing the affected leaves. Yellow spots suggest a bacterial disease, while webbing on the leaves is a sign of spider mites, which can be treated with insecticidal soap. Root rot is usually caused by overwatering, so be sure to let the soil dry out between waterings.

American Phrase: "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure" when it comes to keeping your umbrella plant healthy.