Houseplants: Schefflera

The schefflera is a popular houseplant and actually quite easy to grow and maintain. There are several different varieties of this plant, sometimes also known as an umbrella plant; however, the two that are most commonly found in garden centers are a large-leafed schefflera – the traditional umbrella – and ‘Gold Capella’ – smaller leaves with gold splashes. Whichever schefflera you choose, you will find that caring for one of these houseplants is really not as difficult as some would lead you to believe.

Schefflera (Schefflera) is a tropical plant originating in Australia and the Pacific Islands. The popular umbrella tree (S. actinophylla) can grow to be at least 6 feet tall; although, both my daughter and I have had ones that were a little taller. (Taller plants will need to be staked.) There is also a dwarf variety called S. arboricola, for those who really do not want a very tall, large plant in their home.

All sheffleras like lots of bright light, as long as it is indirect light. You should turn them occasionally so every side of the plant can receive light. (You will have a lopsided plant if you do not turn it, because it will grow towards the light.) In fact, the biggest reason for leaf drop, which is one of the major complaints from those who have this plant in their home, is lack of light. You can cut down on this problem by providing your schefflera with large quantities of light. Either place it in front of a window that gets great morning sun or give it a grow light. If you are unable to give your schefflera the light it requires, there is another alternative. You can suffer through the leaf drop during the winter months and then move it outside in the spring. It will bounce back and soon be full and bushy. However, if you move it outdoors, make sure that you put it in an area that has dappled shade. Full, direct sunlight will sunburn the leaves. If moving your schefflera outdoors is not an option, I would recommend that you invest in a grow light.

Another problem that plagues some scheffleras is infestation by spider mites. This is easily resolved by cleaning the leaves with a cotton ball soaked in rubbing alcohol. You can also stave off the spider mites by regularly misting your schefflera. (I, personally, have never had a problem with these little devil insects. However, I do mist my plants regularly.)

Scheffleras need to only be planted in regular potting soil. Fill the bottom of the pot with crumpled newspapers to help make the pot lighter and to save on the amount of potting soil you need to use. This houseplant does like regular watering; however, it does not like to be waterlogged. You should allow the top part of the soil to dry out between waterings. I use a water-soluble fertilizer about once a month or so. If you follow these simple guidelines, you will find that your schefflera is actually a rather carefree houseplant to own. Also, you can prune your schefflera to encourage a more bushy growth.

A quick note about indirect light: Most houseplants want indirect light. This means that most of them do not want to be set in a windowsill or in front of a window that gets lots of hot afternoon sun. (They will love morning sun, however, which will not burn their foliage either.) If the only place you have to put your plant is in front of a window that gets afternoon sun, simply hang some sheers in the window. This will be enough to filter the sunlight. You can also move your plant across the room where it still gets the sunlight but not directly. Another way to give your plant indirect light is to place it under a regular table or floor lamp. By the way, I have yet to find a houseplant that did not just love fluorescent lighting.

References:
Guide to Houseplants
Gold Capella Schefflera

For more about houseplants, see:
Three Easy-Grow, Easy-Care Houseplants