Schefflera Care
Schefflera actinophylla 'Amate' and Schefflera arboricola (umbrella plant)
At a glance
| βοΈ Light | Bright indirect. Tolerates medium light. |
|---|---|
| π§ Water | When the top 5 cm of soil is dry. |
| πͺ΄ Soil | Well-draining: our Tropical Potting Mix. |
| π‘οΈ Temp | 16β29Β°C. |
| π¨ Humidity | Average is fine. |
| πΎ Pets | Not pet safe Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. |
| π± Care level | Easy |
| π Grows to | 1β2.5 m indoors. |
Scheffleras have leaves that fan out like umbrella spokes. 'Amate' is the big, glossy, tropical-looking one, and the smaller umbrella plant (arboricola, including 'Alpine') is bushier with lots of little leaflets. Both are easygoing and fast-growing.
Light + placement
Bright, indirect light keeps them full and compact. In medium light they grow but stretch out and get leggy. Avoid hot afternoon sun through glass. Turn the pot every few weeks for even growth.
Watering
Water thoroughly, then let the top 5 cm dry before watering again. Leaves dropping while still green often means overwatering; drooping, wrinkled leaves mean it's thirsty.
Soil + repotting
A well-draining mix like our Tropical Potting Mix in a pot that drains. Repot every 2 years in spring, one size up.
Feeding + upkeep
Feeding: We feed with Kelpy, a gentle plant food made from BC kelp. Mix 1 teaspoon into 1 litre of water and use it every time you water; this is a hungry plant. Kelpy is gentle enough to use year-round. Our rule of thumb: if your plant is putting out new growth, even in winter, keep feeding. If it's resting, you'll be watering less, so it gets fed less too.
For a slow, natural boost, top-dress the pot with a thin layer of worm castings every few months, or mix some in when you repot. Prefer a granular food? BIOS Natural Plant Food mixes into the top layer of soil (about 1 tablespoon per 6-inch pot) once a month while your plant is growing. A little white fuzz on the soil afterwards is normal; it's the helpful fungi at work.
Prune leggy stems in spring just above a leaf to make it bushier; it bounces back quickly. Wipe or rinse the leaves to keep dust and pests down.
Common problems
| What you see | Likely cause | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Leaves dropping while still green | Overwatering or a cold draft | Let it dry more; move away from drafts. |
| Leggy, stretched stems | Not enough light | Move closer to the light; prune in spring. |
| Fine webbing, speckled leaves | Spider mites | Shower the plant and treat with Houseplant Spray. |
| Sticky leaves, small bumps | Scale insects | Wipe off and treat with neem or Houseplant Spray. |
| Brown, crispy leaves | Underwatering | Water deeply and more often. |
Varieties we carry
Same care for Amate, Alpine and the classic and variegated umbrella plants. Only what's in stock online right now is shown.
Frequently asked questions
Is schefflera easy to care for?
Yes. Give it bright indirect light and let the top of the soil dry between waterings.
How do I make it bushier?
Prune stems back in spring just above a leaf. New shoots grow from below the cut.
Is schefflera safe for pets?
No. It's toxic to cats and dogs if chewed.
Why is it dropping leaves?
Most often overwatering, a cold draft or a big change in light.
Schefflera care kit
- Tropical Potting Mix: Our all-round Soil Bar mix for leafy tropicals.
- Houseplant Spray: For spider mites, mealybugs and other pests.
- Pruning Shears: Clean, sharp cuts when shaping or removing leaves.
- Kelpy Plant Growth Booster: Gentle BC kelp plant food you can use year-round.
- Worm Castings: A slow, natural boost from our Soil Bar. Top-dress every few months.
Bring your plant (or a photo) to 515 Chatham St #103 and we'll take a look. Open 11β5, 7 days a week, with street parking nearby. Get directions β
More plant care guides
Snake Plant Β· Monstera Β· Bird of Paradise Β· Ficus Audrey Β· Fiddle Leaf Fig Β· Rubber Tree Β· Ficus Altissima Β· Ficus Amstel King Β· All plant care β