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Schefflera Arboricola “Umbrella Plant”

Schefflera arboricola is a compact, bushy evergreen shrub.

Latin name
Schefflera arboricola

Pronunciation
(“SHEF-ler-ah ar-bor-IK-oh-lah”)

Common name
Schefflera arboricola

Origin
Taiwan and Hainan province of China

The Umbrella Plant, also known as Schefflera arboricola, is an erect, well-branched shrub or tree with palmate, glossy foliage.

The plant can either be free-standing , or grow as an epiphyte or lithophyte – starting life in the branches of another tree or in a rock crevice. In those conditions, the plan will produce aerial roots that will grip to its support and head to the ground, where they will then produce conventional roots.

Its glossy green leaflets grow in whorls that resemble the spokes of an umbrella, giving it its common name. Leaves are typically grouped in clusters of 7–9, and some cultivated varieties have attractive variegated patterns of cream, yellow, or pale green. Indoors it usually grows to around 1–2 m tall but can reach larger sizes in the wild. It is popular for its resilience and ability to thrive with minimal fuss.

Did you know?

Its leaf shape resembles a traditional Chinese umbrella, which is how it earned its common name.

Mildly toxic to pets (cats and dogs) and humans if ingested. Contains insoluble calcium oxalates, which can cause irritation of the mouth, drooling, or stomach upset. Keep out of reach of pets and children.

caring for your plant

Light

Medium-low – medium-high. Avoid direct sunlight and sudden changes in light conditions.

Watering

The growing medium should be kept moist at all times. Mist the foliage with tepid water.

Pruning

The growing tip can be removed to encourage branching lower down the plant to create a more bushy habit.

Feeding

A little dilute fertilizer added to the water at every watering is beneficial.

pest & diseases

Generally pest free, but occasional scale insects and mealybugs might be found. Mealybugs will tend to congregate around the growing points (where there is lots of sap), so they can be removed by cleaning with a damp cloth or paper towel, or by cutting of the affected part of the plant (which will cause lower buds to break and branches to form). Scale insects can be removed by rubbing them off with a blunt tool such as a wooden lolly stick.

Where the Scefflera Arboricola originates from

This species originates in Taiwan and the Hainan province of China.

Our plants are grown in Ecoponic, an alternative to soil. Officially known as a vulkaponic substrate, it replaces traditional compost with a clean, mineral-based medium that helps protect peatlands.

According to the IUCN UK Peatland Programme, “A loss of only 5% of UK peatland carbon would be equal to the UK’s annual greenhouse gas emissions.” As well as storing carbon, the natural wetlands where peat is found are critical to the survival of plants and wildlife. Ecoponic also improves plant health and uses water more efficiently.

Find out more about Ecoponic here.

Buy one of my cousins from the nursery

Did you know?

Research from the University of Exeter found that offices with plants can increase productivity by up to 15% while also improving concentration and job satisfaction.