Schefflera (Umbrella plant)

The Schefflera: A graceful and trendy houseplant

The Schefflera, also known as the ‘Finger Tree’, is a stylish and trendy houseplant native to Australia and New Zealand. This plant gets its nickname from its characteristic leaves, which grow in groups and mimic the shape of a hand. This gives the plant a full, green look, perfect for brightening up your interior.
Schefflera belongs to the ivy family (Araliaceae) and comes in various forms, such as lianas, trees and shrubs. Although originally from Oceania, the plant is now spread all over the world, with dozens of different species. Moreover, the Schefflera is not only easy to care for, but also has air-purifying properties!

Water requirements of the Schefflera

The Schefflera is not a demanding plant when it comes to water. In the summer months, it likes slightly moist soil, but make sure no water remains in the pot, as wet feet can harm the plant. In winter, the soil may dry out slightly between waterings. If you are unsure whether it is time to water, it is better to skip once. Watering once a week in summer and once every 10 days in winter is usually sufficient. If the soil is already dry after three days, you can water a little more next time.
The amount of water the Schefflera needs depends on several factors, such as the temperature, the size of the plant and the pot. Experiment in the beginning to find out what works best for your plant. Don't forget to water the plant regularly, this helps to remove dust, allowing more sunlight to reach the leaves and it also works as a preventative against pests.

The right location for a Schefflera

The Schefflera prefers a bright spot without too much direct sunlight; three to five hours of direct sunlight a day is sufficient. Lighter varieties of Schefflera, which can be recognised by their lighter leaves, need a little more light than the dark green varieties. These houseplants like heat, with a minimum temperature of 14 degrees during the day and 8 degrees at night. Make sure the plant is not in a draught, as this makes it more susceptible to lice.

Colouring the leaves of the Schefflera

Although the Schefflera is easy to care for, sometimes problems can occur, which the plant clearly shows through its leaves. With a lack of sunlight, the leaves may turn brown or yellow and fall out. The solution is simple: move the plant to a sunnier spot, and it will recover. If the leaves start to curl, it may indicate water shortage. With brown leaves, do not give extra water, as too much water can lead to root rot. If the plant gets too much light, the leaves may glow yellow and lose their bright colour. In that case, a spot with less sunlight is better.

Repotting the Schefflera

The Schefflera grows slowly, so repotting is usually only necessary after three years. If you want to repot the plant for aesthetic reasons, do so in spring so that any damaged roots can recover properly. Choose a pot that is at least 20% wider than the previous one so that the plant has enough room to grow.

Give the Schefflera extra nutrition

Six to eight weeks after purchase, the Schefflera will have used up the nutrients in the potting soil. During the growing season (spring and summer), give the plant some extra nutrition with liquid houseplant food, but never give more than stated on the packaging. Too much fertiliser can be harmful.

Is the Schefflera a toxic houseplant?

The Schefflera is not toxic when touched, but its sap contains calcium oxalate, which can cause skin irritation. If the sap is consumed, it can cause mouth irritation and vomiting. Keep this in mind if you have pets or small children.

Diseases common to the Schefflera

The Schefflera is susceptible to mealy bugs, especially if it is in a draughty spot. If you notice pests, first try to control them with a spray of water. If that doesn't work, you can use a biological or chemical pesticide.

Pruning the Schefflera

Even though the Schefflera grows slowly, it is a good idea to prune it every autumn. This will allow sunlight to reach the core of the plant better in winter. In spring, the plant will then sprout and branch more, making for a fuller plant. Prune the shoots back to the crown to maintain the plant's shape.

Propagating the Schefflera

The Schefflera can be propagated by taking cuttings, although success is not guaranteed. Cut a cutting about 10 centimetres long and remove the bottom leaf, leaving two leaves. Put the cutting in water at a temperature of about 24 degrees. Cover the cutting with a plastic bag to increase the temperature and humidity. Once roots are established, the plant can be carefully placed in a pot.

Flowering of the Schefflera

Although Scheffleras can get beautiful flowers, this rarely happens as a houseplant because indoor conditions are often not optimal. Also, the plant needs a certain size and age to flower. With some luck, you might be one of the lucky ones to experience flowering!

Buy a Schefflera at Green Bubble

If you're looking for a beautiful and full Schefflera as a houseplant, you've come to the right place at Green Bubble! We work directly with growers to guarantee the freshness and quality of our plants. Order your Schefflera in our webshop and we will deliver it to your home for free.
Would you like to have a beautiful Schefflera in your home? Join the Green Bubble!