Care of Schefflera

Schefflera care

With its graceful, hand-shaped leaves and fresh green appearance, the Schefflera (also known as the umbrella plant) is a beautiful addition to any interior. This tropical houseplant is strong, air-purifying and relatively easy to care for.

On this care page, you’ll find everything you need to know to keep your Schefflera healthy and thriving!

Schefflera care tips at a glance

Placement

• Scheffleras love plenty of light, but not direct sunlight. Too much sun can bleach or burn the leaves.
• A spot near an east- or west-facing window is ideal.
• The plant grows best in temperatures between 16°C and 24°C.
• Avoid cold drafts, dry air and sudden temperature changes.

Water and humidity

• Water the Schefflera moderately. Allow the topsoil to dry slightly before watering again.
• In winter, the soil may stay a little drier compared to summer.
• Scheffleras appreciate average humidity and aren’t very demanding. Mist the leaves occasionally to remove dust and prevent brown edges.

Nutrition

• During the growing season (March–September), feed once per month with liquid houseplant fertiliser.
• In autumn and winter, the plant does not need additional feeding.

Soil and pot

• Use universal potting soil or a houseplant mix with good drainage.
• Ensure excess water can drain freely to prevent root rot.
• Repot every 2–3 years into a slightly larger decorative pot (2–3 cm wider) to stimulate growth.

Guarantee Fresh from the grower
Delivery type Houseplant delivered in growing pot
Latijnse naam Schefflera
Location Normal daylight
Water requirements Approximately once or twice a week
Toxic Mildly toxic if ingested
Air purifying Yes
Maintenance Low

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“The Schefflera likes a bright spot with indirect sunlight. Too little light causes the plant to stretch and drop leaves, while direct sun can scorch them.
An east- or west-facing window is perfect.”

Frequently asked questions about the Schefflera

Quick answers to the most common questions about water, light, nutrition and care.
Kan de Schefflera in direct zonlicht staan?
Liever niet. Zet de plant op een plek met helder, indirect licht.
Waarom verliest mijn Schefflera bladeren?
Dit kan komen door te weinig licht, te veel water of tocht.
Is de Schefflera giftig voor huisdieren?
Ja, de Schefflera is licht giftig bij inname. Voorkom dat huisdieren van de bladeren eten.
Hoe groot kan een Schefflera worden?
Binnenshuis kan een Schefflera tussen de 1 en 2 meter hoog worden, afhankelijk van de verzorging en ruimte.
Waarom worden de bladeren van mijn Schefflera geel?
Gele bladeren wijzen vaak op te veel water of slechte drainage. Controleer of de pot gaten heeft, of er geen water blijft staan en pas het giet‐ritme aan.
Waarom lijkt mijn Schefflera ‘langgerekt’ of ‘sloom te groeien’?
Dat komt meestal door te weinig licht. In een te donkere standplaats groeit de plant traag en worden de stelen lang en dun. Zet de plant licht dichter bij een raam (niet in direct zonlicht).
Kan de Schefflera in een badkamer of donkere kamer staan?
Hij is redelijk tolerant en kan in kamers met minder licht staan, maar hij zal minder snel groeien en kan langslungelig worden. Idealiter kies je echt voor een lichte ruimte.
Hoe weet ik dat ik mijn Schefflera moet verpotten?
• Wortels komen uit de afvoeropening of liggen bovenop de grond.
• Groei is sterk vertraagd; aarde is uitgeput of compact.
• Verpot eens in de 2-3 jaar of zodra deze signalen zich voordoen.

Kies een pot slechts 1-2 cm groter in diameter dan de huidige om overpotten te voorkomen.

Everything you need to know about the umbrella plant

The Schefflera is a strong houseplant that grows well with minimal attention. Still, there are several care tips that help your umbrella plant stay a stunning eye-catcher for years.

Best placement

The Schefflera loves a bright spot with indirect sunlight. Too little light causes stretching and leaf drop, while direct sun can burn the leaves.

An east- or west-facing window is perfect. If placed near a south-facing window, move it slightly away from the glass.

Watering

The Schefflera dislikes wet feet. Allow the top layer of soil to dry before watering again.

In summer you typically water once a week; in winter less often depending on temperature and humidity.

Too much water leads quickly to yellow leaves or root rot — always use a pot with drainage holes.

Humidity and temperature

Originally from tropical regions, the Schefflera thrives in room temperatures of 16–24°C.

Although it doesn’t require high humidity, it benefits from occasional misting to remove dust and keep the foliage fresh.

Avoid placing it near heaters or in drafty areas.

Soil and repotting

Use airy, well-draining potting soil.

Choose a pot with drainage holes so excess water can escape.

Repot every 2–3 years, preferably in spring, when the plant begins its growth cycle.

Feeding

During the growing season (March–September), feed monthly.

In autumn and winter (October–February), the plant rests and does not require nutrients.

Pruning

Scheffleras respond well to pruning.

Cutting helps keep the plant compact and full. Trim long or bare stems to the desired length — new shoots will appear naturally.

Remove old or yellow leaves to keep the plant tidy.

Propagation

Scheffleras are easy to propagate.

Cut a young, healthy stem of about 10 cm and place it in water or moist soil.

Within weeks, roots will form. When well-rooted, repot into its own pot.

Common problems

• Yellow leaves: too much water or too little light
• Leaf drop: caused by drafts, sudden temperature changes or dry air
• Brown tips: dry air or insufficient water
• Pale leaves: not enough light