The Dwarf Schefflera is closely related to the Umbrella plant. It can grow from 10 to 15 feet high and 6 to 15 feet wide. It remains a dark green color throughout the year. It is often found in Hawaii. This beautiful plant will give many years of pleasure if cared for properly. Here are some tips on how to care for your Dwarf Schefflera:
Light
This plant should be kept in medium to high light. Be sure to keep it away from direct sunlight coming through windows as this can scorch it’s leaves. It prefers light that is come from the East, West or South. It is not problem keeping this plant in any room that gets a great deal of light.
Water
When watering, be sure to get the soil very wet. Let the soil get dry to the touch about 1/2 an inch deep before watering again. Check the plant regularly to be sure that it isn’t getting too dry. Although you want the soil to somewhat dry, you don’t want to let it get dry throughout.
Temperature
This plant likes temperatures of between 61 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit during the day and between 56 and 65 in the evening. It is safe to put the Dwarf Schefflera in any room in your home because the temperatures that it requires is compatible with most normal home temperature settings.
Humidity
Placing this plant in a home with an average humidity will work great for this plant. Keep it away from rooms that have an extremely high or low humidity. It enjoys fresh air. Keeping it in a room that is given this advantage will be best for the proper growth of your plant.
If you plan to keep the plant in a room that is extremely dry, it is wise to purchase a small humidifier in order to keep the leaves from dropping off this plant. Another way to get humidity moving near the plant is to place a dish under the pot. Adding stones or pebbles to the bottom of the plate will allow the excess water to drain from the pot but keep the moisture for a humid affect. Be sure that the pot isn’t sitting directly in the water to avoid root rot.
Food
The Dwarf Schefflera should be given fertilizer about every three months. There is no need for a large amount of feeding. This plant doesn’t need a lot of extra attention to keep it at its best.
Soil
You can mix your own soil for this plant. To do so use one part sterilized garden loam, one part clean course sand or perlite and 1/2 to 1 part sphagnan peat moss. Place in a large container as this plant grows to a rather large size. Always use a pot that has a hole in the bottom so that excess water can drain properly.
Possible Issues
This plant is known to get Scales. To clear up this problem, you can simply scrape it off the leaves. You should keep the plant away from other plants if you see this problem arise to prevent them getting it as well. If the problem gets too severe, dispose of the plant immediately.
If you see that the plant is getting weak and spindly looking, it is a sign that it isn’t getting enough light. Move it to an area of the house that allows more light to reach it.
The Dwarf Schefflera is an easy to grow plant. You do not need to have a green thumb in order to get it to grow properly. It is an ideal plant for beginners to get. If taken care of properly, this plant will give you years of beauty.
