Schefflera plants, commonly called umbrella plants, are easily recognized by their distinctive compound leaves that resemble umbrellas. Native to tropical regions, these fast-growing plants make excellent houseplants and are relatively easy to look after.  

Schefflera plants are perfect for filling in any bare spots, adding some color to your home, and making a statement wherever you put them.

Now, as just mentioned, these plants are easy to care for – if you keep a few things in mind. So, follow these tips on Schefflera plant care, and your plant will thrive.

Light

Schefflera plants thrive in bright, indirect light. If you can’t provide sufficient natural light, grow your plant under fluorescent lights. The general guideline for the grow light is to keep it on for 14-16 hours each day.

Schefflera plants can become leggy if they don’t receive enough light. So, if your plant is looking stretched out, it’s probably not getting the right amount of light. This is an easy fix – move your plant to a brighter spot.

On the flip side, too much light can cause the leaves to fade, turn yellow, or burn. If this happens, move your plant to a spot with less light.

Water

Water your Schefflera plant when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Allow the water to run through the drainage holes and empty the drainage tray after each watering.

Over-watering is one of the most common problems with Schefflera plants. If you notice that the leaves are turning yellow and falling off, it’s a sign that you’re watering too much. Be sure the soil is completely dry between waterings. 

Fertilizer

Feed your Schefflera plant every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced, all-purpose fertilizer. You can also use a slow-release fertilizer at the beginning of the season.

During the fall and winter, you can reduce the frequency of fertilization to once a month.

Temperature

Schefflera plants like it on the warm side – they prefer temperatures between 65 °F and 75 °F (18 °C and 23 °C).

If you notice that the leaves are drooping, this could be an indication that the plant is too cold. Move it to a warmer spot in your home or office.

On the other hand, if the leaves are falling off, it’s a sign that the plant is too hot. Move it to a cooler spot.

Humidity

Schefflera plants prefer high humidity, but they will tolerate lower levels of humidity.

One way to increase the humidity around your plant is to place it on a pebble tray. Fill the tray with water and pebbles so that the water comes up to the top of the pebbles. Place your plant on the pebbles and make sure that the pot is not sitting in the water.

Another way to increase the humidity is to mist the leaves with water regularly.

Pruning

Schefflera plants can get out of control if they’re not pruned regularly. Prune your plant back to the desired size and shape using sharp, sterile pruning shears.

Soil

Schefflera plants prefer rich, well-draining soil. Either use a potting mix or create your own by equally combining peat moss and perlite.

As previously mentioned, if you notice that the leaves are turning yellow and falling off, it’s a sign that the plant is not getting enough drainage. Repot your plant in a pot with drainage holes or add some perlite to the soil.

Propagation

Schefflera plants can be propagated by seed, but it’s easier to propagate them by rooting stem cuttings.

To root stem cuttings, fill a pot with a well-draining soil mix and moisten the soil. Cut a 6-inch piece of stem from the plant using sharp, sterile pruning shears. Remove the bottom leaves and dip the cut end in rooting hormone.

Place the stem cutting into the moistened soil and press down gently to secure it. Cover the pot with a plastic bag or place it in a propagation chamber, which is a clear plastic container with a lid. The reason is to create a mini-greenhouse which will help keep the humidity high.

Place the pot in a bright spot, but out of direct sunlight, and wait for the cuttings to root. This can take anywhere from two weeks to two months. Once the cuttings have rooted, you can transplant them into individual pots.

Common problems

Schefflera plants are relatively easy to care for, but there are a few common problems that you might encounter.

One problem is leaf drop. This can be caused by too much or too little water, low humidity, or low temperatures. If you notice that the leaves are yellow and falling off, make sure that you’re not overwatering your plant.

Another problem is browning of the leaves. This can be caused by too much sun or heat, or by low humidity. If you notice that the leaves are browning, move your plant to a cooler or shadier spot.

If you notice that the leaves are turning yellow and falling off, it’s probably a sign of too much fertilizer. Reduce the amount of fertilizer that you’re using or fertilize your plant less often.

Toxicity

Schefflera plants are poisonous if ingested by people, dogs, and cats. If you suspect that your plant has been ingested, call your local poison control center immediately and in the case of your pets, contact animal poison control or the ASPCA right away.  

Frequently asked questions:

What is the lifespan of a Schefflera plant?

Schefflera plants can live for many years as long as they are taken care of properly.

What are the ideal growing conditions for Schefflera plants?

Schefflera plants prefer a rich, well-draining soil. They also prefer high humidity and warm temperatures.

Any issues with pests or diseases?

Common pests on Schefflera plants are scale, mealybugs, and spider mites. If you see small, white insects on your plant, they are likely mealybugs. Spider mites are small, red, or brownish insects that spin webs on the undersides of leaves. And, scale insects are small, hard-shelled pests that attach themselves to the stems and leaves of plants.

All these pests insert their mouthparts into the plant to feed, which can damage the tissue and cause leaves to drop. 

You may also see a sticky substance on the leaves. This is honeydew that the mealybugs excrete. 

Use regular applications of an insecticide to control these insects. Additionally, you can control mealybugs and scale with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol by wiping the pests off the plant with the swab. Spider mites can be controlled with a forceful spray of water from the hose. Be sure to spray the undersides of the leaves, where these pests are most likely to be found.

Schefflera plants are susceptible to fungal diseases, such as powdery mildew and leaf spot. These diseases can be controlled with a fungicide. Regular applications of an all-purpose fertilizer will help to keep your plant healthy.

Why are Schefflera and Cyperus both called umbrella plants?

Both plants have similar shapes, with large leaves that spread out from a central point, however, the leaves of a Schefflera are usually broader than those of a Cyperus. 

Schefflera is a flowering plant that belongs to the family Araliaceae, while Cyperus is a sedge that belongs to the family Cyperaceae. The main difference between Schefflera and Cyperus is that Schefflera has compound leaves with leaflets, while Cyperus has simple, grass-like leaves.  Schefflera is used as a houseplant, while Cyperus is used in landscaping.

At times, Cyperus is called an umbrella plant too, but that is not its botanical name. In some places, people refer to Schefflera as false Cyperus because the two look alike. However, their leaf structure is entirely different. While Schefflera plant leaves are compound with multiple leaflets, those of Cyperus are long and narrow like blades of grass. Each leaf of Cyperus grows from the center of the stem, unlike the Schefflera plant in which leaves branch out like an umbrella.

The main difference between Schefflera and Cyperus is that Schefflera has compound leaves with leaflets, while Cyperus has simple, grass-like leaves. 

 

Common types of schefflera plants

There are many different types of Schefflera plants, here are two of the most common:

Brassaia actinophylla (syn. Schefflera actinophylla) – This is the most common type of schefflera plant. It has dark green leaves that are divided into 7-9 leaflets.

Brassaia arboricola (syn. Schefflera arboricola) – This type of schefflera plant is also known as the dwarf umbrella tree. It has dark green leaves that are divided into 7-9 leaflets. The leaves are slightly smaller than those of B. actinophylla.

Conclusion 

Schefflera plants are beautiful and easy to care for, making them a great addition to any home or office. With a bit of knowledge about their need and some TLC, your plant will be thriving in no time!

So, by following these simple tips, you can easily take care of your Schefflera plant and enjoy its beautiful foliage for many years to come.