How to Care for Umbrella Plants

The hardy umbrella plant grows stems that are 2 to 4 feet high. The leaves on top of the stems fan out like an umbrella. The plant will produce a beige flower if it is cared for properly. The plants can be used in planters, in bogs or in water gardens in areas where temperatures are ideal. Outdoors, the umbrella plant will grow very well in zones 8 through 11, but it makes an ideal houseplant as well.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Water misting bottle
• Fertilizer

1. Keep the plant in temperatures between 50 to 75 degrees F. The plants need high humidity. Misting the leaves between watering will provide that higher humidity the plant needs. The umbrella plant will grow well outdoors in a pot during the summer and indoors during the colder months.

2. Plant the umbrella plant in a bright location with indirect sunlight. The west and east sides of the house will work the best.

3. Water the plant by drenching the soil and allow the soil to dry out before watering again. The temperature of the water used should be warm to the touch. Keep the plant pot out of standing water by setting the pot on gravel for drainage.

4. Fertilize the plant every week during the spring and summer month with a fertilizer that is soluble with water. No fertilizer should be given during fall and winter months.

5. Protect the plant from mites by keep the humidity around the plant high. If mites attack the plant, use a soapy solution in the mister bottle to spray the plant. Make sure to get the underneath sides of the leaves.

References

• Umbrella Plant