Schefflera arboricola
umbrella tree
- Position: bright but indirect light
- Soil: good potting compost
- Rate of growth: average
- Hardiness: tender (indoors only)
- Current height: approximately 40cm (+ or - 10% including the pot)
- Pot cover: choose an 18cm pot cover to give a good fit over the pot
Native to Taiwan and Hainan Province, China, Schefflera is deservedly popular as a houseplant. An evergreen tree or shrub with long-stalked palmately divided mid-green leaves, the umbrella tree is classed as a medium-light plant. This handsome woody perennial is well-suited to many spaces around the home or communal areas and is a fairly undemanding plant to care for. - Home care: Place in bright but indirect light and keep well watered during the growing season - making sure that the excess water can drain away freely. Water less often in winter and maintain temperatures above 12°C. Mist the leaves regularly with water to improve the humidity around the plant, or sit the pot in a tray of moist shingle.
- Humans: Skin allergen