Growing Umbrella Plant Indoors is a great idea, thanks to its lush glossy foliage and low maintenance nature. It’s commonly called the ‘Umbrella Tree’ because of the elongated leaves that resemble an umbrella!
It’s an ideal plant to place in an empty and bright spot of your home or office. The plant also acts as an air purifier, removing toxins from the indoor air. These qualities make it worthy enough to grow if you know what’s required when it comes to Schefflera Plant Care Indoors!
Check out our article on growing Areca Palm indoors here
Choosing a Pot for Umbrella Plant
If you have brought the plant from a nursery, then it is advisable to move it in size or two bigger pots. As the plant can reach an impressive height of 5-6 feet indoors, keeping it in one size bigger pot will help it grow. Also, the pot needs to have drainage holes!
For new plants, choosing an 8-10 inch container is going to be a good starting point.
Requirements for Growing Schefflera Indoors
Location
Bright, indirect sunlight will make the plant grow like anything! The spot should also be away from exterior doors, and air vents, so the tree won’t be exposed to blasts of hot and cold air.
A north or east-facing window is going to be a great place. As it is a tropical plant, you can also keep it in a humid room, like a bathroom or kitchen but make sure it receives indirect light all the time.
Temperature
Being a tropical plant, it loves to stay in warm surroundings and does best between 57-90 F (14-30 C). Just make sure that it is not exposed to sudden temperature fluctuations and freezing air and it’ll do fine.
Soil
A well-draining, aerated, and loamy soil works best for indoor umbrella plants. You can use your regular potting mix for this houseplant.
Watering
While it loves the slightly moist growing medium, it’s better to wait until the topsoil in the container dries out before watering again. Mist the plant regularly or run a humidifier sometimes, if it’s located in an indoor spot that has low humidity.
Overwatering will cause root rot, and keeping the foliage wet may promote powdery mildew to develop on the plant–so avoid both the things. Look for yellow, mushy, and dropped leaves as they’re a sign of overwatering.
Humidity
Humidity found in homes will aid in the growth of the plant. However, if you notice that the leaves are not as healthy as they should be and turning brown and flaky, then you can mist the foliage with a fine spray of water. Alternatively, place the plant on a tray of water with pebbles.
Taking Care of Schefflera Indoors
Fertilizer
Fertilize once a month during the growing season with a balanced (20-20-20) liquid fertilizer by diluting it to half of the recommended dose instructed on the packet. Do make sure that you are not feeding the plant from mid-fall to winter in colder climates. If you live in a tropical environment, continue fertilizing the plant with a reduced rate in winters.
Re-Potting
Schefflera will need re-potting once every 1-2 years. If you want the plant to grow taller, you can re-pot it to a larger container to increase the height. Keeping it root bound will limit its growth.
Pruning
Schefflera is a fast-growing houseplant and will need regular pruning to keep it at the desired height and spread. It is best to prune it in the spring, but you should always keep an eye on the diseased or drooping branches and foliage for timely removal.
Pests & Diseases
Just be careful about aphids, mites, and mealybugs. Spraying the plant with a powerful jet of water will take care of them. To avoid root-rot, avoid overwatering the plant.
Natural Air Purifier and Freshener
Schefflera acts as a natural air purifier and room detoxifier. The large leaves absorb pollutants and release fresh oxygen back into the air. It’s also important to note here that after some time its leaf pores become clogged with dust particles and leaves lose their shine and begin to droop. To cure this, wipe the dust off leaves once or twice in a month with a soft, damp cloth, this will also improve the plant’s ability to photosynthesize.
Schefflera Toxicity
According to the ASPCA, the sap in the leaves contains calcium oxalate crystals, which makes the plant mildly toxic to dogs and cats. Chewing may cause nausea, vomiting, irritation, and a burning sensation in the mouth.
- Shivani
- September 4, 2020 At 6:36 am
- Thank you for sharing. Can I grow another one from its cutting? If yes, how?
- Reply
Thank you for sharing. Can I grow another one from its cutting? If yes, how?
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