Umbrella Tree Overview

The Umbrella tree (Shefflera arboricola) is an attractive, fast-growing plant with variegated leaves growing in rosettes that resemble umbrellas. Umbrella trees belong to the Araliaceae family, making them distant relatives of ginseng and ivy. They originate from eastern Asia. These tropical plants thrive in medium indirect sunlight and enjoy some extra humidity. Umbrella trees are easy-care plants, making them great for beginner indoor gardeners. This gorgeous plant reaches up to 6-7 ft tall and lives up to 25 years. The Umbrella Plant Schefflera is associated with prosperity and is considered to have protective properties in Feng Shui. Unfortunately, if ingested, it’s toxic to pets and should be kept out of your furry friends’ reach.

Other beautiful Schefflera varieties include the Australian Umbrella Tree, which has bright green, glossy leaves, and the miniature Dwarf Umbrella Tree, which grows to only 2 feet tall.

Umbrella Plant Schefflera Benefits

• Low-maintenance and perfect as a starter plant
• Fast-growing plant
• Air-purifying properties
• Used against rheumatism and pain in Chinese traditional medicine
• Protective and wealth-attracting properties in Feng Shui

Umbrella Tree Alternative Names

• Octopus Tree
• Star Leaf Plant
• Parasol Plant
• Arboricola Tree

Umbrella Tree Care Guide

The Umbrella tree is one of the best starter plants because of its easy care requirements. Here are a few Umbrella tree care tips to keep your Schefflera thriving:

Watering and Light

Only water your Umbrella plant when the top layer of the soil gets dry. Don’t let the soil get soggy, as Scheffleras don’t tolerate waterlogged soil. This plant prefers medium indirect light for best growth; avoid direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn.

Temperature and Humidity

To ensure your Umbrella tree thrives, choose a place away from drafts with a stable temperature of 65°F to 90°F. If you keep your Umbrella plant outdoors as a patio plant, ensure that the night temperatures in your climate zone don’t drop below 60°F. As a tropical plant, the Umbrella tree enjoys some extra humidity. Mist it occasionally to keep the surrounding air humid.

Soil, Fertilizing, and Repotting

The Schefflera Gold Capella prefers a well-draining indoor plant soil mix. You can repot your plant in the spring using a pot around 2 inches larger than the previous one. Water the plant, and if settling occurs, add some more soil. Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer every six weeks during the growing season and let the plant rest during winter. 

How to Propagate Umbrella Plant

You can propagate your Umbrella tree plant from stem cuttings. Dip the stem cuttings in root hormone and place them in a pot filled with well-draining soil. Cover with a clear plastic bag to retain moisture and help the new plants grow.

Pruning, Cleaning, and Common Issues

An Umbrella plant can grow very tall if given the chance. So, prune it into shape to achieve a neat, shrub-like appearance. Trim off the top to encourage bushier growth. You can shower your plant occasionally to keep the leaves clean from dust. Umbrella trees can occasionally develop browning leaf tips or spots on the leaves. Soft and mushy leaves indicate overwatering, while crisp brown areas on the leaves are often a sign of leaf burn or underwatering. Before buying an Umbrella tree for sale, always ensure its leaves look healthy.

Shefflera Umbrella Plant: Placement, Companion & Alternative Plants

The Gold Capella Umbrella tree is a shrub-like plant with eye-catching variegated leaves that makes a beautiful centerpiece. Its unusual beauty and tenacity make it a good fit for many spaces. 

Best Locations & Uses

• An easy-care plant that is perfect for beginners and busy plant owners 
• Great plant for patios in warmer climates (hardiness zones 10/11)
• Perfect for large spaces as this plant can grow up to about 7 ft tall indoors
• Great for bedrooms because of its air-purifying properties that promote good sleep 
• Excellent low-maintenance office plant for spacious working spaces with natural light 

Companion Plants

If you want to group your Schefflera tree with other beautiful house plants, here are a few ideas to consider: 

• Peace Lily (Spathiphyllum): The Peace Lily is an air-purifying and easy-care flowering plant that prefers similar growing conditions to the Schefflera; it thrives in medium indirect light and needs the soil to dry out between waterings. 
• Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree (Ficus lyrata): Like the Umbrella tree, the Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree makes a spectacular floor plant. Requiring extra care, this large plant sports fiddle-shaped vivid green leaves that will complement the Umbrella tree’s variegated foliage. 
• Hawaiian Sunshine Dragon Tree (Dracaena warneckii): You can combine your Umbrella tree plant with another easy-care tropical beauty, like the spectacular Hawaiian Sunshine Dragon Tree. This plant has lime-green stripes running the length of its dark green leaves, giving it an exotic appearance. 

Alternative Plants

Beware that the Umbrella trees are toxic to pets, so if you have a cat or a dog, consider the following alternative pet-friendly plants:

• Money Tree Plant (Pachira aquatica): This charming money tree is a popular Feng Shui good-luck house plant. It is safe for pets and has leaves gathered into umbrella-like rosettes, similar to Umbrella plants.
• Neanthe Bella Palm (Chamaedorea elegans): A graceful indoor palm, the Neanthe Bella Palm is a non-toxic, resilient, and easy-care plant that will add some elegant tropical vibes to your interior.
• Dwarf Cavendish Banana Tree (Musa acuminata): This is another pet-friendly option with large, broad leaves. It is low-maintenance and grows delicious edible fruit.

Get a Stunning Umbrella Tree Plant on LivelyRoot

Buy a lush Schefflera Umbrella plant to create a cheerful and eye-catching focal point for your home!