How to Cut an Umbrella Tree

Snip off new leaves to keep the tree to the size you want.

The umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla ), or schefflera as it is sometimes called, is commonly grown as a houseplant. Tropical in nature, it does surprisingly well in the typically dry, indoor air. The umbrella tree likes a lot of light, and when it doesn't get enough, it may become leggy or lose lower leaves. Thankfully, it takes well to pruning. Sometimes the umbrella tree needs a simple trim, while others need more drastic pruning.

Things You'll Need

• Scissors
• Pruning shears

Instructions

1. Prune the umbrella tree to maintain its shape by using scissors to snip off the newest leaves produced from winter until early spring.

2. Cut umbrella tree stalks with no leaves to within 4 inches of the soil. This will prompt the schefflera with a naked trunk to produce more foliage lower on the trunk.

3. Prune umbrella tree stalks with foliage to immediately below the lowest stalk on the plant. Make the cut just above a leaf. This will force the tree to grow fuller, not taller.

References

• University of Florida: Schefflera Production Guide
• North Dakota State University: Questions on Schefflera
• "Foliage Houseplants"; James Underwood Crockett; 2001