Schefflera (Schefflera arboricola)
The most common schefflera is the Australian umbrella tree (S. actinophylla, or Brassaia actinophylla), which can grow up to 12 m. It is widely used as a landscape tree in Hawaii and other warm areas and is also one of the most popular indoor plants around the world. A cultivated dwarf species, called Hawaiian schefflera (B. arboricola), is more compact in habit and has smaller leaves.
schefflera
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schefflera, any of several tropical evergreen trees or shrubs, in the ginseng family (Araliaceae), that are widely cultivated as indoor foliage plants because of their tolerance to low light conditions. The genus Schefflera includes the New Zealand seven fingers (S. digitata), which may reach a height of 7.5 m (25 feet), and the Asian S. octophylla, similar in size.
The most common schefflera is the Australian umbrella tree (S. actinophylla, or Brassaia actinophylla), which can grow up to 12 m. It is widely used as a landscape tree in Hawaii and other warm areas and is also one of the most popular indoor plants around the world. A cultivated dwarf species, called Hawaiian schefflera (B. arboricola), is more compact in habit and has smaller leaves.
Schefflera (Schefflera arboricola)
Schefflera (also called umbrella plant or arbicola) is a popular houseplant because it’s easy to grow (it tolerates a range of growing conditions) and adds fun texture with its divided hand-like leaves.
Because it’s so tolerant, schefflera makes a good choice for living, dining, family, and bedrooms. Many people are especially fond of growing it in well-lit bedrooms because at night the houseplant is efficient at filtering indoor air pollution from the room.
The schefflera variety ‘Gold Capella’ is particularly nice; it shows off dark green hand-shaped leaves variegated with streaks of golden yellow. It really brightens a room!
Schefflera Questions?
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Schefflera Growing Instructions
Schefflera is an easy-to-grow houseplant that does best in high light but will usually grow fine in medium light. It can tolerate direct sun on its leaves indoors, even in hot-summer climates.
Water schefflera when the top of the potting mix dries out. Its tolerance of dry soil is one of the factors that has made it a popular indoor plant for so long.
You don’t need to fertilize schefflera regularly (just once or twice a year). but if you’d like it to grow faster, you can fertilize it with a general-purpose houseplant fertilizer. Be sure to follow the directions on the fertilizer packaging for application rates.
If your schefflera gets too big in time, you can prune it back at any time. Doing so will help it grow fuller and bushier.
- Water Medium water needs
- Light Indoors: High light Indoors: Medium light
- Colors Green Variegated
- Special Features Purifies the air
Complement your Schefflera
Money Tree
Money tree and schefflera have similar textures and grow well together.
Peace Lily
Peace lily contrasts schefflera with dark green foliage and beautiful white flowers.
Our favorite varieties
Gold Capella Schefflera
Schefflera arbicola ‘Gold Capella’
Gold Capella is a popular variety that has dark green leaves boldly variegated with golden-yellow.
Luseane Ivory Schefflera
Schefflera arboricola Luseane Ivory
Luseane Ivory is a beautiful variety that has ivory-yellow variegaton on its dark green leaves that often have a slight twist or curl.
Luseane Schefflera
Schefflera arboricola ‘Luseane’
This selection has small, dark green leaves and a lush, thick habit.
Luseane Moondrop Schefflera
Schefflera arboricola Luseane Moondrop
Luseane Moondrop has small leaves delicately variegated with ivory-white.
Trinette Schefflera
Schefflera arboricola ‘Trinette’
A double-duty plant, you can grow Trinette indoors as a houseplant or outdoors as an easy-care shrub in frost-free areas. It features hand-shaped leaves variegated with golden yellow.
Alpine Schefflera
Schefflera alpina is a wild species that tolerates cooler conditions than traditional varieties. Indoors it can reach 6 feet tall.
Dwarf Schefflera
Dwarf schefflera is a compact variety with small, dark green, hand-shaped leaves often grown as a houseplant. It can reach 4 feet tall and wide.
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