How to Care for a Schefflera Plant

Also called the umbrella plant, the schefflera is a popular houseplant because of the beauty of its dark green leaves, which form "fingers" in a circle. The designs formed on floors and walls in the sunlight lends a pleasing look to a room. Caring for a schefflera is quite simple, and the plant will grow for many years.

Things You'll Need

• pesticide
• houseplant fertilizer

Instructions

1. Set the schefflera plant indoors in a sunny location, but not in direct sunlight. Bright, filtered light to one side of a window is best. If the schefflera's roots are crowded in the pot, transplant it into a pot about 2 inches wider in diameter. Loosen the roots and spread them out, then fill in the new pot with potting soil and firm it down.

2. Water the schefflera only when the soil is dry to a depth of 2 inches. Water the soil well, but do not allow the plant to sit in a saucer of water, which can lead to root rot. If the leaves turn black, you are watering the schefflera too much. If the leaves turn yellow, you aren't watering it enough.

3. Look under the leaves and on the stems for tiny black spots. This is an indication of spider mites. Control spider mites with any organic pesticide.

4. Fertilize the schefflera once a month with any houseplant fertilizer, according to package directions.

5. Set the schefflera outside in the summer in a shady location. When brought indoors for the winter, the plant will go dormant and growth will slow down.

References

• Schefflera

Resources

• Read this Article in Spanish
• Indoor plant guide