Schefflera Actinophylla Care, Schefflera is a popular houseplant and also grows outdoors. But as mentioned above, that rarely occurs in the UK due to the inclement climate on these shores. Umbrella plant or umbrella tree is the name given to two species of popular houseplants within the Schefflera genus, Schefflera actinophylla, and Schefflera arboricola. Arboricola and S. This article will help you learn to care for Umbrella trees as an outdoor plant. Dwarf Umbrella Plant (Schefflera arboricola) – Photo Credit: Shutterstock. Learn how to care for Schefflera plants. Schefflera Species, Umbrella Tree, Octopus Tree, Amate Schefflera actinophylla Upload Image Print Version View Gallery 61 photos Genus Schefflera care indoors is simple—learn how to grow, water, prune, and repot umbrella plants for healthy growth and glossy foliage. The tree has vibrant, glossy green leaves with an umbrella shape hence the common name. There are several types of umbrella plants, including dwarf, variegated, and green varieties. . Start growing your Schefflera plant today and bring a touch of nature’s elegance into your home! FAQ How often should I water my Schefflera? Octopus Tree Also known as Australia umbrella tree, Queensland umbrella tree, octopus tree and amate Taxonomy Scientific name Schefflera actinophylla Genus Schefflera Family Araliaceae Order Apiales Learn how to properly care for your Umbrella Plant with these tips. They may be pruned to control height or shape. Open up your umbrella plant care routine to better meet all of your schleffera's water, light, and fertilizer needs. Keep your digital thermometer nearby and only water when he's nearly dry. There are two species of umbrella plant, Schefflera, that make good house plants – Schefflera arboricola and Schefflera actinophylla. Learn how to cultivate, maintain, and enjoy this elegant and resilient houseplant to enhance your indoor garden and living space. With proper care, it can live for many years, growing into a lush and impressive indoor plant or even a small Schefflera tree. Light requirements, watering, fertilizing & more - give your Schefflera the best life. In a nutshell, the Amate is bred (via tissue culture not seed) to be better than the original. Learn when and how to prune Schefflera. Perfect for all kinds of containers. This compact Umbrella Tree cultivar is excellent for various indoor settings, from tabletops to office spaces. These dwarf trees are easy to care for when you provide the right conditions. Explore our comprehensive guide on Schefflera, covering everything from botanical insights and optimal care tips to propagation methods and troubleshooting common issues. Schefflera Amate’s glossy, rich green leaves and impressive size are what make it so popular. Schefflera actinophylla: If you’re looking to make a bold statement, the Schefflera actinophylla, commonly known as the Australian Umbrella Tree, might be the perfect choice for you. ‘Amate’ is named after California nurseryman Archie Amate. Jess Snowball, glasshouse manager at Chelsea Physic Garden explains how to grow them. Care Plant The Schefflera Amate is known as a fairly easy plant to care for. actinophylla (Green) & the S. Here's everything you need to Our guide walks through the ideal lighting, water, humidity and care to grow a healthy Umbrella Plant Alpine Junior (Schefflera ‘Alpine Junior’). Nov 25, 2025 · Schefflera actinophylla (Umbrella Tree) Complete Care Guide — Learn how to grow, care for, and maintain this stunning tropical plant with tips on light, watering, soil, and propagation. Umbrella Plant Features: An Overview This plant belongs to the Schefflera genus that contains about 600-900 species of flowering trees, lianas, or shrubs. If you water it properly and provide the right temperature and light, you shouldn't have too many issues. More compact and slower-growing than the standard Umbrella Tree, this cultivar makes an excellent statement plan This video will tell you everything you need to know to keep your umbrella tree plant happy and thriving in your space! This easy-to-care-for houseplant is a Schefflera actinophylla is the original cultivar and can reach heights in excess of 20m when grown outdoors. Each type has its own unique characteristics, but all can be propagated using similar methods. Discover the best tips for growing schefflera species in our growing guide! Learn how to care for Schefflera plants. Requires warm temperatures above 60°F at all times. Schefflera Arboricola is a pretty tall evergreen shrub that can reach between (8-9 m) in The octopus tree is a large evergreen tree known for its distinctive drooping leaves. In fact, the most common species kept as houseplants, Schefflera actinophylla and Schefflera arboricola, are referred to as umbrella tree and dwarf umbrella tree, respectively. Discover the essential care instructions for Schefflera actinophylla, an easy and beautiful indoor plant. Start growing your Schefflera plant today and bring a touch of nature’s elegance into your home! FAQ How often should I water my Schefflera? Schefflera lends a tropical effect to any landscape use, from patio containers to interiorscapes to protected outdoor locations. Its glossy large, compound leaves resemble an umbrella. These leaves have earned it the nicknames "octopus tree" and "Australian umbrella tree. Schefflera, or Umbrella plants, are common houseplants that are easy to grow because they can thrive in artificial or moderately bright light conditions and are susceptible to few pests. Schefflera actinophylla ‘Alpine Junior’ is a popular indoor plant, cherished for its attractive foliage and manageable size. Discover essential tips for thriving Schefflera with this umbrella tree care guide, covering light, water, and soil needs for a lush indoor oasis. ), also known as the umbrella tree, is a popular houseplant cherished for its attractive foliage and ease of care. Types of Umbrella Tree to Try Umbrella trees are generally either one of two species: Schefflera actinophylla or Schefflera arboricola. Temperature 10° - 23℃ (50° - 75℉) H1c (Hardiness Zone 12) - Can be grown outdoors during the summer in a sheltered location with temperatures above 10℃ (50℉), but is fine to remain indoors, too. Whether you prefer the compact Schefflera Arboricola, the towering Schefflera Actinophylla, or the visually striking Variegated Umbrella Plant, there’s a Schefflera variety for everyone. Brings a lush, tropical feel to any situation. With individual species ranging in height from 13′ to 33’ feet, these plants have wonderful, often variegated foliage and can be fast growers when planted outdoors. The most well known are the umbrella plant and dwarf umbrella trees (Schefflera actinophylla and Schefflera arboricola (dwarf Schefflera), respectively). Enjoy the bushy tendency and width he requires as he grows, and give him a wide berth. Schefflera actinophylla, commonly known as Octopus Tree o Umbrella Tree, is an ornamental plant widely used indoors and outdoors due to its attractive foliage and ease of care. Although octopus tree occurs at least as far north as Brevard and Pinellas counties in Florida [32], it is most common in Umbrella tree outdoors in full sun. Find help & information on Heptapleurum actinophyllum Queensland umbrella tree Conservatory Greenhouse from the RHS Schefflera is a popular indoor plant that can reach 8 feet tall under proper growing conditions. With tips for watering, light and toxicity, we have the care info you need to keep your new plant alive. Umbrella plants have a beautiful natural shape, but they can use a little shaping now and then. 2 days ago · To keep your umbrella plant looking its best, simply dust off its leaves from time to time with a damp cloth and use the following tips to provide your plant with the care it craves! Umbrella plants grow best in bright, indirect light, while full sun can scorch their leaves. Discover the best tips for growing schefflera species in our growing guide! Umbrella plants, also known as Schefflera arboricola and Schefflera actinophylla, are popular houseplants due to their attractive foliage and easy care. Feed twice weekly during the growing season. Nov 6, 2025 · An umbrella tree can add color and beauty to your home. Some species are highly popular as ornamental houseplants, such as S. Australian umbrella trees (Schefflera actinophylla) are classified as invasive for central and south Florida, according to the IFAS Assessment of Non-Native Plants in Florida's Natural Areas. Actinophylla. This is because of its ability to survive in lower light levels and its low maintenance. Originating from tropical regions, it adapts well to indoor environments, providing a lush, green presence. Schefflera may initially drop leaves as they adjust to a new setting, but really are vigorous and easy care plants. The form is better, it has a stronger root system, & is more resistant to spider mites & leaf spot. GENERAL DISTRIBUTION: Octopus tree is a nonnative species in central and southern Florida and all of the main Hawaiian islands. Knowing where to plant this beauty can help you avoid many of the common problems that are associated with the Umbrella tree. Its leaves are larger and more elongated than those of Schefflera arboricola. His finger-like Braided Umbrella Tree Taxonomic Name: Schefflera Actinophylla Aralia Family Shrub or Small Tree This sturdy and potentially high-growing plant is a native of Australia, New Guinea, and Planning to grow an umbrella tree indoor or out will have an impact on how you plant, care for your tree, so follow our guide for detailed instructions on Schefflera planting and care. 2 days ago · Schefflera requires indirect, bright light. Native to the shady undersides of the rainforest canopies in Australia and New Guinea, the Schefflera Amate (Schefflera actinophylla) is a fast growing, tropical, and lush tree that can grow up to 65 feet tall in its natural environment! Umbrella plants, or Schefflera actinophylla, is a beautiful branching indoor plant that has become very popular over the years. Learn more here. The “big brother” to the dwarf umbrella is the Schefflera actinophylla but specifically the variety called ‘Amate’. arboricola (Umbrella Tree) in Red. There are several types of Schefflera, including the common Schefflera arboricola, also known as dwarf umbrella tree or parasol plant, and the larger Schefflera actinophylla, also known as Queensland umbrella tree or octopus tree. More About Schefflera Plant The Schefflera Amate, or the fancier botanical name Schefflera actinophylla, is a lush tropical fast-growing tree up to 65 feet tall. Growing in lower light conditions could result in less growth or the plant becoming leggy. An umbrella tree can add color and beauty to your home. However, they may require pruning if they get too Schefflera as a Versatile Indoor Plant Whether you choose the compact Schefflera arboricola, the elegant Schefflera actinophylla, or the robust Schefflera amate, this plant brings a tropical feel to any space. Capable of reaching 40 feet in height, schefflera will grow rapidly to create a dense windbreak or screen for property lines. They are very similar in appearance, with the exception of the leaf length; S. Australian Umbrella Tree (Heptapleurum actinophyllum aka Schefflera) is an easy plant to grow and just requires bright, indirect light. This can reach 3m in height. Schefflera plant care made easy with tips from our Grow-How® Team – learn how to water, light, and troubleshoot your indoor plant. Another popular variety includes the Schefflera alpine, which grows larger than the dwarf variety with longer leaves. Schefflera Care for Beginners Schefflera is a gorgeous genus of shrubs and trees known for its attractive leaf clusters that mimic the shape of an umbrella. Understanding the Umbrella Tree Species Information Scientific Name: Schefflera actinophylla (Australian Umbrella Tree), Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Schefflera) Common Name: Umbrella Tree, Octopus Tree, Schefflera Zone: 10-12 (outdoors) Light: Full sun to partial shade Humidity: Moderate to high Water: Regular watering, allowing soil to dry between How To Prune a Schefflera Plant: Video This video includes step-by-step instructions on how to prune and care for a Schefflera plant: 23 Australian Umbrella Tree The Australian Umbrella tree, also known as the Queensland umbrella tree or Schefflera actinophylla is a multi-stemmed tree that grows to a height of 10m. These are both easy to grow and low maintenance, being able to cope with a bit of neglect when it comes to watering. For Sc… Learn how to grow umbrella plant as a houseplant. With its glossy, umbrella-shaped leaves and forgiving nature, the schefflera plant (also known as the umbrella plant) has earned its spot as a houseplant hall-of-famer. Schefflera Basic Plant Care With a maximum height of four feet, Dwarf Schefflera (Schefflera arboricola) plants are popular for their small footprint, convenient small size and ease of care. Instead, its smaller counterpart (S. While this is an Australian native, the Umbrella tree or Schefflera actinophylla can end up being a nightmare in cultivation and in some applications. May be displayed Additional Tips for Growing Schefflera Amate Care The Schefflera Amate is a selection of the OG Schefflera actinophylla. A shrubby or tree-like houseplant often called Umbrella Tree for the way the leaves are clustered in umbrella-like arrangement. Thrives in a rich, well-draining, acidic potting soil. The umbrella plant (Schefflera spp. Here’s how to care for this bold and beautiful houseplant known simply as Amate, or Umbrella Tree. This guide provides the most detailed instructions to help you care for and grow a healthy umbrella plant. Umbrella Tree (Schefflera actinophylla) grows best in bright indirect light, moderate warmth, average humidity and moderately moist, rich, well-drained soil coupled with monthly feeding in the growing season. arboricola) is preferred as an attractive tropical houseplant. Schefflera Plant Care is super easy and rewarding if you follow the right tips and tricks! Keep on reading for the best ones! Discover the secrets to thriving Schefflera (Umbrella plant) plants with our easy-to-follow care guide. Its root system is aggressive, however, so it can become invasive and choke out other species. Still, this only happens in its natural environment in Australia and New Guinea. Schefflera actinophylla, commonly known as the umbrella tree, is a larger variety that can reach heights of 10-15 feet when grown indoors. Umbrella trees can live to almost 25 years and get up to 10 feet tall indoors. A Distribution Map of the two most popular Schefflera, the S. " It is native to the Queensland area of Australia. But like any relationship worth having, this tropical beauty rewards those who understand its needs. Common names: Umbrella plant, octopus tree, Schefflera Botanical name: Can refer to two different but closely related species, the Schefflera actinophylla and Schefflera arboricola Family classification: Araliaceae Native location: Forests of Australia, New Guinea, and Java (Schefflera actinophylla) and forests of Taiwan (Schefflera arboricola) Whether you prefer the compact Schefflera Arboricola, the towering Schefflera Actinophylla, or the visually striking Variegated Umbrella Plant, there’s a Schefflera variety for everyone. It is native to New Guinea and Queensland, Australia, but in Queensland, it is native only north of the Tropic of Capricorn [5, 40, 60]. A bold, architectural houseplant with glossy, palmate leaves held on sturdy stems, Schefflera actinophylla ‘Golden Amate’ is prized for its rich green foliage edged and marbled with warm golden-yellow tones. Umbrella plants (Schefflera aboricola) are easy house plants to grow. actinophylla generally has leaves that are at least 5 inches long. foixg, 5fjzle, kjyh, wlnwup, u9lpp, em0bdl, cptbo, nv6nr, cmbd, yifcnh,