
The dwarf umbrella tree grows as an attractive houseplant and rapidly reaches between 4 and 8 feet (1.2 – 2.4 m) tall. The type of leaves on this tree like umbrella plant are palmate, meaning there are 7 – 9 leaflets growing from a single point.
What's the best soil to plant dwarf umbrella tree in?
- SOIL. Schefflera arboricola feels comfortable in slightly acidic soil. This is why you should aim for a soil pH between 6 and 6.5.
- LIGHT. Medium light is best for Dwarf Umbrella trees. Medium light equals bright, indirect light! ...
- WATERING. While pruning your Dwarf Umbrella tree can be unnecessary and fertilizing can be neglected, watering your Schefflera should not be taken half-heartedly.
- TEMPERATURE. Dwarf Umbrella Trees like it relatively cold. Temperatures of 15 to 20 degrees are ideal. ...
- HUMIDITY. As a tropical plant, the Dwarf Umbrella tree likes high humidity. However, even lower humidity levels are well-tolerated by Schefflera arboricola.
- FERTILIZER. During growing season (spring to autumn), feed your Schefflera once every 2 to 3 weeks. A balanced, half-diluted liquid fertilizer (10-10-10) can be used for that purpose.
- PROPAGATION. Dwarf Umbrella trees can be propagated through stem cuttings. However, Schefflera arboricola can also be propagated through air layering.
- GROWTH. Schefflera arboricola can get pretty big. Up to 1.5 meters (5 ft) is not uncommon for Dwarf Umbrella trees.
- (Re)POTTING. At some point, you’ll need to repot your green companion. With most houseplants, repotting is best done in (early) spring.
How to take care of a dwarf umbrella tree?
Propagation is a fantastic way to increase your collection of Dwarf Scheffleras:
- It’s an efficient use of stem cuttings leftover from pruning.
- You can give baby Scheffleras away as gifts!
- If you have an Umbrella Plant you especially love, stem cuttings make exact clones.
Are dward umbrella trees hard to keep?
This is not a difficult plant to care for, but it does have some requirements that must be met in order to keep it healthy. Part 1 Providing the Right Conditions 1 Place the dwarf umbrella plant in a bright location, shielded from direct sunlight.
What tree looks like an umbrella?
The Acacia Tortilis, or Hayne tree, is a wide-spreading umbrella-shaped tree native to the Africa and the Middle East. This may be the smallest tree that looks like an umbrella. It grows to about 13-feet tall. Under extremely arid conditions, it only grows to 3-feet tall.

How fast does dwarf umbrella tree grow?
Schefflera plants are fast-growing plants, especially if planted outdoors, where they can add three feet per year. Indoor plants are slower-growing, especially if you keep them somewhat confined in a tight-fitting container.
Where do you place a dwarf umbrella tree?
Place the dwarf umbrella plant in a bright location, shielded from direct sunlight.Another good location is right next to the window where the plant will get very bright but indirect sunlight. ... When the umbrella plant is not getting enough light, the leaves will turn yellow and drop.
How tall does a dwarf umbrella plant get?
It can grow up to the height of 50 feet and thrive in medium-high humidity, while the dwarf variety reaches only a meager 4 or 5 feet. When trimmed and pruned well, the growth can be managed for the indoors.
Is dwarf umbrella tree indoor or outdoor?
Here are some other facts about Dwarf Umbrella Trees: Thrive indoors near windows with direct or partial sunlight and outdoors in partial shade. Prefer temperatures between 60 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit with higher humidity. Propagate easily by rooting a cutting in water.
Can you plant a dwarf umbrella tree outside?
Humidity is generally not a concern, but the plants can be more susceptible to pests like scale and spider mites if the air is too dry. Indoors, umbrella plants prefer temperatures of 55°F to 75°F (13°C to 24°C). They can be grown outdoors year-round in USDA zones 10-11.
How long do dwarf umbrella trees live?
A Schefflera will usually stay alive between 20 and 25 years, although this depends on how well you care for it. When it comes to growing Schefflera, you want to plant yours somewhere that gets plenty of indirect sunlight and in a location with moderate winters/year-round weather.
How do you keep an umbrella tree small?
Since these plants grow so quickly, it is very possible that you will need to prune the plant in order to keep the plant the shape and size that you desire. Umbrella plants bounce back quickly, so even if you harshly prune away a good bit of the plant, it will grow back fuller that it previously was.
What is the difference between an umbrella plant and an umbrella tree?
Umbrella Plant or Tree. The Umbrella plant is also known as the Dwarf umbrella tree. Schefflera Arboricola is the scientific name. Grown indoors the Schefflera Arboricola can be kept to a manageable size of 4 - 8ft tall, and the good news is they respond well to basic indoor conditions.
Do umbrella trees like small pots?
The umbrella plant is a faster grower. With good care and a bit of TLC in the form of fertilizer, your umbrella plant can quickly outgrow its pot in a growing season. However, they are generally happy in pots that are small relative to their size.
Are dwarf umbrella tree roots invasive?
The umbrella tree's aggressive roots can easily crack sewer lines, water pipes, paths and walls. The seed is spread by birds and really invades bushland. These plants need firm management. A mature umbrella tree can be pruned at any age and to any height and that is one method of containing the plants.
How often should I water a dwarf umbrella tree?
Avoid deep shade or prolonged direct sunlight. Average Watering Water well then wait until the top inch of soil dries out. Potentially you could be watering once a week if all other conditions are perfect. Average Temperature Provide temperatures between 15°C (59°F) and 21°C (70°F) all year round.
How much sun does a dwarf umbrella tree need?
Provide them with at least 4 hours of light a day. They will stay healthy and grow properly if they are getting the required light.
How much sun does a dwarf umbrella tree need?
Provide them with at least 4 hours of light a day. They will stay healthy and grow properly if they are getting the required light.
Do umbrella plants like direct sunlight?
Good Light Levels This houseplant will do best in a bright but indirect light position. Avoid deep shade or prolonged direct sunlight. Average Watering Water well then wait until the top inch of soil dries out.
How do you take care of a dwarf umbrella plant?
Allow the top 2 inches of soil to dry out before watering. Prune back if the plant becomes leggy or too tall. Pinch out new growth if you want to keep the plant small and compact. Wipe leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to remove dust and keep your Dwarf Umbrella looking fresh and feeling fine.
How often should I water my dwarf umbrella?
This plant grow towards the light so rotate it around every month for even growth. Water every 7-14 days or as the soil becomes dry. This plant is flexible about watering but will be more tolerant of dry soil than overwatering.
Is it possible to keep Dwarf Umbrella trees outside in summer?
In summer, Dwarf Umbrella trees do great outside. Make sure to put them in the shade, if kept outside.
How tall can Dwarf Umbrella trees get?
Dwarf Umbrella trees can get very tall. When kept outside, they can grow up to about 9 meters (30 ft) tall. When kept indoors, they can still reach...
What nicknames does Schefflera arboricola have?
Schefflera arboricole is primarily known as the Dwarf Umbrella tree. Other nicknames include Dwarf Schefflera, parasol plant and Octopus tree.
Is Schefflera arboricola toxic to cats?
Yes. According to the ASPCA, Dwarf Umbrella trees are toxic to cats. Check out our article on houseplants that are non-toxic to cats.
Is Schefflera arboricola toxic to dogs?
Yes. According to the ASPCA, Dwarf Umbrella trees are toxic to both cats and dogs.
Does Schefflera arboricola make a good bonsai?
Yes. The Dwarf Schefflera lends itself easily to bonsai form and is a favorite among indoor bonsai aficionados.
The leaves of my Dwarf Umbrella tree are very sticky. What's wrong with my plant?
Sticky leaves on Dwarf Umbrella plants are a possible sign of a scale insect infestation. Dwarf Umbrella plants are very prone to scale insects. Ot...
Does Schefflera arboricola bloom?
Dwarf Umbrella trees do indeed bloom. However, when kept indoors, this seldomly happens.
Does the Dwarf Umbrella tree go dormant in winter?
The Dwarf Schefflera does not completely go dormant in winter but it rests.
Can Schefflera arboricola also be cultivated in hydroponics?
Yes, the Dwarf Umbrella tree can be cultivated in hydroponics.
How to grow a dwarf umbrella tree indoors?
Light Requirements for Growing Dwarf Umbrella Tree Indoors. Grow your schefflera plant in bright indirect light. For fast growth, place umbrella plants in bright light, but protect from direct sunlight. Plenty of light helps the plant to grow straight, just like a tree.
What temperature do dwarf umbrellas grow in?
Dwarf umbrella plants thrive in a temperature range between 60°F and 75°F (15°C – 24°C). So, the tropical houseplants will grow well in average room temperatures. Umbrella plants that have dark green foliage can survive better in cooler temperatures. The variegated cultivars need to grow in warmer temperatures.
How tall does a dwarf Schefflera tree get?
The dwarf umbrella tree grows as an attractive houseplant and rapidly reaches between 4 and 8 feet (1.2 – 2.4 m) tall.
What is an umbrella plant?
The umbrella plant (Schefflera arboricola or Heptapleurum arboricola) is a popular tree like houseplant that is easy to grow indoors. Other common names for this tall houseplant include dwarf umbrella tree, parasol plant, octopus tree, and dwarf Schefflera. The umbrella plant makes for a tall, ornamental indoor tree-like plant ...
Why is Schefflera arboricola called an umbrella plant?
The reason why dwarf Schefflera plant is called umbrella plant is due to how its unusual leaves are arranged like an umbrella. The groups of leaflets grow circularly at the end of stems and this gives the leaves a look of an umbrella.
Why do people grow dwarf Schefflera?
People grow a dwarf Schefflera plant for its impressive foliage because it rarely blooms indoors. If you want an impressive umbrella plant, choose one of the yellow and green or white and green variegated cultivars. Some plant species have fascinating leaf markings that can create a stunning vertical accent in a room or office.
Do umbrella trees need light?
Light also helps foliage to be plentiful and bushy so that your umbrella tree-like plant has a lush, healthy appearance. Good indirect sunlight is also essential for variegated dwarf umbrella tree cultivars. So, if you have the Schefflera ‘Gold Capella,’ ‘Green Gold,’ or ‘Trinette,’ make sure that there is enough light.
How big can a Schefflera arboricola grow?
Schefflera Arboricola is the scientific name. Grown indoors the Schefflera Arboricola can be kept to a manageable size of 4 - 8ft tall , and the good news is they respond well to basic indoor conditions.
What is the name of the plant that is a S. arboricola?
If you want to purchase a plant but your unsure of whether it's a S.arboricola or S.actinophylla and it's just named schefflera ; there are some slight differences, although care conditions needed are the same - so I would suggest you buy it if you like it.
Is an umbrella tree toxic to dogs?
Pets: The umbrella tree is mildly toxic when ingested by cats or dogs and causes them to become unwell. Level of care: Basic care and maintenance will keep this plant looking healthy and living a long long life indoors.
Do umbrella plants flower?
Flowering: Grown in warmer climates outdoors - the umbrella plant produces bright red flowers like tentacles growing above the foliage on long stems (it's where it gets the common name octopus tree). Unfortunately were not able to get these in flower when grown indoors.
Do you need to prune an umbrella tree?
Make sure you do not over-water the soil, which can begin rotting the cutting and wait until you see plenty of new growth before beginning to provide basic care conditions. Pruning: The umbrella tree is a fast growing species which will need pruning back.
