How to Care for a Shefelara Plant

Schefflera actinophylla, also known as Schefflera plants or umbrella plants, are tropical evergreen shrubs prized for dark green, glossy leaves. In most of the United States, Schefflera plants grow indoors in containers where gardeners can easily recreate the conditions of their native environment. Schefflera actinophylla can grow up to 15 feet tall. While a Schefflera of this size may be suitable for malls, offices or large homes, gardeners with limited space may want to grow dwarf Schefflera, known botanically as Schefflera arboricola.

Things You'll Need

• Schefflera plant
• Planting container
• Potting soil
• Peat moss
• Perlite
• Watering can
• Liquid houseplant fertilizer
• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Plant your Schefflera in a planting container that is large enough to comfortably house its root system. Use a rich, well-draining growing medium comprised of equal parts potting soil, peat moss and perlite. Plant your umbrella plant at the same level it was planted in its nursery container.

2. Place your Schefflera plant 4 to 8 feet from a window that will provide it with six hours of bright direct or indirect sunlight per day. Keep your plant at least 6 feet from air conditioners, heaters and drafts to prevent damage to the foliage of your plant.

3. Water your Schefflera plant immediately after planting to minimize transplanting stress. Water your Schefflera plant whenever the top 1/2-inch of growing medium feels dry to the touch. Allow excess water to drain from the planting container; never leave your Schefflera plant in standing water.

4. Fertilize your Schefflera plant with a liquid houseplant fertilizer every two months to provide it with the nutrients it needs for vigorous growth. Follow the application instructions on the fertilizer label to ensure your plant receives the appropriate amount of nutrients.

5. Keep your Schefflera plant in a room where the daytime temperature is kept between 65 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. Keep the nighttime temperature of the room above 60 degrees Fahrenheit to prevent cold damage to your plant.

6. Prune your Schefflera plant, as needed, to maintain the desired size and shape. Remove any discolored, diseased, damaged or dead foliage to keep your Schefflera plant looking healthy and beautiful. Use sharpened and sterilized pruning shears to prune the stems of your Schefflera just above a leaf.

Tips & Warnings

• Re-pot your Schefflera plant if its planting container becomes overcrowded. Plant in a planting container 2 to 4 inches larger in diameter than the previous container.

• Schefflera plants are susceptible to problems with spider mites and scale. Treat your plant with a houseplant insecticide product to restore its health, if necessary.

References

• Gardening Indoors; George F. Van Patten; 1995
• Clemson University: Schefflera
• Florida State University: Schefflera arboricola
• Colorado State University: Schefflera

Resources

• North Dakota State University: Questions on Schefflera