Schefflera Plant Care
Common Name: Schefflera (Amate, Diana, Dwarf, Gold Capella, Umbrella Tree, Trinette)
Scientific Name: Schefflera Species
Lighting: Bright to Moderate
Water: Moderate to Low
The Schefflera is characterized by foliage arranged in groups of 3 to 7 at the end of the stems, similar to spokes on a wheel or umbrellas. Schefflera's make great houseplants due to their low need for maintenance.
Schefflera's require bright indirect light. If plant is not receiving enough light or is too far away from the light source, the Schefflera will become spindly by stretching towards the light source. Do not place this houseplant in direct sunlight or you may burn the foliage. If foliage begins to drop and turn yellow, the plant is not receiving enough light.
Watering requirements for this houseplant are pretty much the same as many other common houseplants. Allow the soil to dry in between watering; however do not allow it to stay dry for long periods of time. On the opposite end, do not allow the plant to sit in water either, so be sure to allow proper drainage. If the foliage begins to drop and turn black in color, you are overwatering or do not have proper drainage in place. If the foliage tips begin to curl or wrinkle, you are probably under watering the plant.
Do not be afraid to prune your Schefflera back into shape if it gets out of control. This is one houseplant who will bounce back better than ever after a nice complete pruning.
The Schefflera does have one enemy that can be pretty common: Spider Mites. To prevent Spider Mites from taking over, once a week or more give the plant a nice misting of a soapy water mixture. If Spider Mites become present, try this soapy water misting twice a day. If this does not work, visit your local garden center for a safe alternative.
Schefflera's are toxic if eaten. Like so many other houseplants, it is included in the list of poisonous houseplants.
Common Schefflera Varieties:
Common Name: Amate Schefflera
Scientific Name: Brassaia actinophylla
The Amate variety features larger green foliage with a glossy surface. Plant looks wonderful when using a leaf shine product on the leaves leaving them dust free.
Common Name: Dwarf Schefflera
Scientific Name: Schefflera arboricola
The Dwarf variety usually does not reach any taller than 4 feet in height. Otherwise it looks just like other Schefflera varieties.
Common Name: Schefflera Gold Capella
Scientific Name: Schefflera species
This variety is characterized with the same appearance as other Schefflera’s except foliage is in beautiful gold and green colors, adding drama to any rooms décor.
Please share your tips for this common houseplant!
Labels: poisonous houseplants
posted by drayas @ 7:52 PM
69 Comments:
can anyone please tell me how to start the schefflera, from one i already have>
Tam,
I had to do some research on this one. I have never tried it. I found a variety of answers. Below are 2 URLs I found with some information.
The first talks about the different methods for propagating Schefflera and the other towards the middle of the page talks about the air layering technique to use with cuttings.
http://cahe.nmsu.edu/ces/yard/2004/022104.html
http://www.ext.nodak.edu/extpubs/plantsci/landscap/h1257w.htm
Please let me know what method you try and how it works out. I'm definitely interested in giving it a try on my Schefflera now too!
Thanks,
drayas
I tried the cuttings method with schefflera arboricola: http://www.hplants.com/schefflera.htm. Although I did bother with rooting it in a water first, but it didn't take long.
I live in Tennessee. Can the arboricola trinette be planted outside and survive year-round?
Living in Wisconsin I never put much thought into moving my houseplants outdoors. However, I have read about Schefflera being outside year-round in Florida. So I guess it depends on how cold the winters are in Tennessee. They are a tropical plant so warm climate is a must.
Thanks,
drayas
I live in Denver and I started my Gold Capella from a cutting in a small jar of water (about a pint). I didn't even use much care with it; I tore off a 6 inch section from a plant at work and after I got home, made a clean cut at the bottom, broke off the lower leaves, leaving about five leaf clusters at the top, plopped it in a pint size jar of water and placed it in the southeast corner of my apt. where it would get bright, indirect light all day. It seemed to take forever for roots to start, and then they went nuts! I potted it in Miracle Grow potting soil and after a couple of months, it finally has a new leaf coming out of the top. It seems to take a while to adjust to change (a couple months to start roots, a couple months for new growth after potting) but have feeling it's going grow like mad now!
Thank you for sharing how you were able to start another Gold Capella.
Drayas
Hi,
I have a question for the experts. I have a Schefflera plant that I would like to place in my Bathroom (In order to hide some hedious pipes...). The room has a small window, wich is quite high, and when the door is close it is dimly lit. It the plant prosper under this conditions, or should I find a better solution to hide the pipes?
Shira,
I would give it a try. Even though your bathroom has lower light, if bright light comes in through that window you may be OK.
If the houseplant begins to get spindly and reaching for light, then you'll need to move it back and find a different solution.
Thanks,
drayas
Drayas,
Thank you for your reply. I will give it a shot, and hope for the best :)
Shira.
hi I have a golden capella that I bought about three months ago at the beginning of summer, and I recently noticed that its leaves are falling off at a rapid rate. It's down to a small number of clusters. Some of them look okay, but others seem to be drying up. I'm certain that I'm not over watering it...but then again - I'm pretty unsure of the cause. Its leaves fall off with the slightest touch. Can any one give any hints with what might be causing it?
Memie,
Are the leaves yellowing to an extent? If so, then your Schefflera isn't receiving enough light. If they are blackening or curling/wrinkling, then you are overwatering the plant. My guess is you need to adjust the lighting.
You don't have your plant near any drafts do you? I have to watch mine by a patio door. Now that it's fall in Wisconsin and yet it's nice to leave the doors open later, the draft can hit my plants hard.
Please let me know how things work out.
Thanks,
drayas
Hi!
I just moved into a new house and the previous owners left a large schefflera plant behind. I have two concerns:
One, the leaves on the plant has brownish orange flaky bumps. I've looked around and can't seem to pinpoint what it is and how to fix it. I think it might be scale bugs?
Second, the plant has dozens of stems coming out a rather small pot. How much room does it need to feel comfortable and should I attempt to transplant it? And if so, how?
Thanks!
Hi Erin,
Take a look at the following page which has Photos of Scale Varieties. Do any of these fit what you see on your plant?
As long as the plant is healthy, multiples stems in one pot should be fine. If it seems like the plant is root bound and should be repotted, do wait until the insects are cleared up. Then simply purchase a pot 2 - 4 inches bigger than the current pot.
Thanks,
drayas
Hi, it's me again..
I've recently noticed the same problems described in the two previous posts. My plant has sprouted new leaves, but there are small red spots on them (but not on the old leaves), and they are very frail. Some even fallen off already. I looked at the link about scales, but didn't recognize the spots my plant has. I guess its just a different type. The new leaves are green, but rather curly. Do the scales affect the strenght of the plant, or is it just a 'cosmetic problem'? What should I do to better care for my plant?
Hi Shira,
It is probably some sort of insect. Spray the plant with a soapy dishwater mixture twice a day. If possible, put the plant in your bathtub or shower so you can really cover the foliage at least the first couple times.
If that does not work. Visit your local garden center for an insecticide / pesticide. Be sure to read the labels on whether it's safe for pets, children, etc.
Please let me know how things work out.
Thanks for reading,
drayas
I have plant that has gotten too big and wide. (it's a tree!!!) I live in North Carolina and the nights are starting to get in 30's at night. I was wondering if I could cut it back. I've cut it back before but it was in the late spring and it rebounded beautifully. It is now November. Does any know if this will kill it seeing how its not in the growing season. This plant is over 36 yrs old any help would be appreciated.
So your Schefflera plant (tree) is outside? If yes, I would wait until late spring, however if any of my readers can assist here. I have limited knowledge in any of the houseplants listed outdoors since I'm in Wisconsin. Today's high was 40.
Thanks,
drayas
I am in North Carolina and in the last three weeks trimmed one back at my office and the original plant is doing well I put the cut branches [after trimming back] into some water and one already has long roots coming out.
Hi drayas,
I took your advise about spraying my plant with dishwater, and I also moved it to a window that gets much brighter light. And I think it worked. There are new sprouts now, and they look healthy, without spots.
I'm still not sure that it was scales. Now the old leafs, that were infected in the first place, are strong and sturdy, but all wrinkled and spottedd. Should I trim those leaves to prevent further infection?
Again, thank you very much for your help!
Shira.
Shira,
I would trim those leaves off just in case. Better safe than sorry!
Thanks,
drayas
I have a question about my plant. I'm not sure what variety it is but I received it last year from my dad's funeral. I have it in my front window which faces north, so it gets indirect morning light and indirect evening light and it is doing okay, I mean I have new sprouts all over the place. My question is this, how and what do I clean its leaves with? I'm in central Illinois and we are running a humidifier right now and it leaves a white film on everything (due to the lime in the water I guess...I water the plant with bottled water.) I know they need cleaned, I'm just not sure what the right method is.
Thanks for your help!
Hi,
After reading about soft scales I have come to the conclusion my huge schefflera has them. It's sticky, and has small brown spots that can be removed. I'd like to try the soapy water thing but am not sure how much soap to use. I'm also going to use a soft tooth brush to try to remove them. Should this save my plant??
Hello,
Sorry for the late response. I use a leaf shine product made by Miracle Gro to keep the leaves pretty and green. You just spray it on and wipe it off. I think I got my bottle at Home Depot.
Thanks,
drayas
Julie,
Just mix a couple squirts of dish soap into the water bottle and then fill it 3/4 with water. There's no real right or wrong amount. Shake it up and spray. With scales, I have also taken Q-tips or cotton balls, soaked them with rubbing alcohol and washed the leaves that way before I used the soapy mixture.
Scales can be hard to get rid of and they spread, so be sure to keep your Schefflera away from other plants.
Thanks,
drayas
Drayas,
Thanks for your response about my schefflera. I used the soapy water and it seemed to help. After much wiping of leaves I think I've gotten the majority of the sclaes off. I'm assuming the soap kills them? Now my questions are...how far away from my other plants do I need to keep it. And will these pesky things return??
Thanks for your help!
Julie,
The rubbing alcohol and the soapy water should kill them. I would keep your Schefflera a couple of feet away from your other plants just to be safe.
The pests may come back, so just keep an eye out so you can catch them early.
Thanks,
drayas
Is there a right time of year to trim these plants back? The plant I also got as a gift and there are sprouts everywhere. I am keeping it indoors. WHen do you decide to
repot it or how do you know it is rootbound without tearing it apart.
My plant is about 3 feet tall right now. I would like to keep it that size. It looks really hardy and I am keeping it free from a draft. The room now is 68 or so. I live in Michigan and do not intend to make an outdoor plant. I sure would like to keep this plant looking as it does now.Appreciate this blog and it's answers. THANK YOU!!!
Caroldee,
I have found that you can trim Schefflera any time of year. You should repot every 1 - 2 years, depending how fast the plant is growing. Usually when the root base is tight or close to the end of the palm. Basically what I do to check is just very gently loosen the soil within the pot and then gently pull up on the plant. It will pull the roots up just slightly enough for you to see how much room there is. Then if it's close to the edges, repot in a pot 3 - 6 inches bigger than the current pot.
Hope that helps!
Thanks for reading,
drayas
I was given a Schefflera plant last summer and now the leaves are drooping at the joints. Am I overwatering it? I also think it might be time to repot it. Any suggestions?
fuzzyfleischer,
I would have to say you may be over watering the plant. Are the leaves plump yet when they drop or are they wrinkling and seem dried out? If they seem dry and wrinkly then you may be under watering the plant.
If the problem is over watering, re-potting will be good for the plant, giving it new non-water logged soil.
Thanks,
drayas
Hi There,
I'm wondering how the heck you trim a plant. I know it sounds simple, but I can't find any good basic guides on where on the stems to cut etc. If I cut a stem, does the plant make more leaves lower down? I'm sorry I know NOTHING about this!!
I've had my "umbrella bush" for almost a year now, and when I got it it was a really pretty bush. I moved it into my apartment and silly me, it didn't get enough sun and dropped many of its lower leaves. I moved it to my sunny solarium. The plant has now bounced back, and isn't dropping leaves, but has grown very tall and lanky and I would like to get that bushy leafy appearance in the lower limbs back. Any advice for a plant-ically challenged grower? thanks!!!
Hi Dryas,
Some of the leaves seem to be wrinkled but none of them seem to be dried out. Coming out from the main stem at the bottom there is a shoot that has become quite large. It's leaves are not drooping and look very healthy. Can I just cut that shoot of at the base, put it in water to root it and then plant it? That way, if the whole plant starts to go I will have saved part of it.
FuzzyFleischer
Hello,
I prune my Schefflera quite a bit, but I did find this answer that gives some better tips.
Question on Dwarf Schefflera.
Keep me posted.
Thanks,
drayas
FuzzyFleischer,
If you read previous comments, a couple of readers had posted regarding starting new plants. One had been successful with water. I had also posted some links to other resources on starting new Schefflera.
I personally have not tried to yet. I really should.
Please let me know which method you try and how things turn out.
Thanks,
drayas
I HAVE A SCHEFFLERA NOT SURE OF THE VARIETY I GUESS...I BOUGHT IT AT A YARD SALE AND THE PEOPLE HAD IT OUTSIDE IN THE SUMMER AND INSIDE IN THE WINTER...WE ALL LIVE IN NY..I WOULD IKE TO PUT THE PLANT OUTSIDE....WHAT TEMP AT NIGHT CAN IT WITHSTAND....IT IS IN THE MID 30'S RIGHT NOW...
glongisland1,
I would wait until the lows are in the 50's.
Thanks,
drayas
I have a schefflera plant that is growing great on my patio, but my fiance wants me to trim it to grow tall instead of out. I put a few stakes to tie the trunks to force the plant to grow tall. I loved it the way it was, but he has tomato plants and pepper plants he wants to grow and the schefflera plant is taking up alot of room on my patio. Any suggestions?
Suzette,
Staking and trimming are your two options.
You can trim anytime and the plants typically rebound nicely.
Tell him to move the tomato plants!!
Drayas
I had a small schefflera in an office where I worked, and when I left there I brought it home. My cats liked to dig in it, so I moved it outside. Now, a few years later, I have 2 huge schefflera plants on either side of the front door, and 2 in the backyard, all from this one plant (outside year round, in TX). On one side of my pond, the schefflera is 5' tall, on the other side, 6' away, it's barely 1' tall. I don't know why. But they are very easy to divide after it gets root bound. Just split it up and replant them.
Somebody help! Please! I have a dwarf Trinette Schefflera. I just purchased her about 2 wks ago from Home Depot. I can barely touch her without the leaves dropping. The leaves are getting brown spots on them. I can't tell if they are yellowing bcz my tree is variagated. The leaves atop are also crinkly not flat. Is this normal? Some of the roots are appearing @ the base of the tree. Does she need to be repotted? Fertilized. What should I do to save my baby! Please anyone...Heeeelllppp! Thank you! :)
Kathy in Georgia wants to plant a schefflera plant outside. She has roots from a cutting inside now. Can this plant tolerate Atlanta year 'round? Also, shade or sun? Thanks, Kathy
I unsubscribed because I couldn't figure out how to answer a question. This is for drayas regarding how I started a schefflera. I cut off the stem that the leaves are attached to and stuck it in some potting soil. That was about 2 - 3 months ago and it is still living so I guess it is going to be alright.
FuzzyFleischer
I have a smaller schefflera plant. I was dusting and moving things around and noticed that the leaves have a sticky substance on them, as well the table it sits on and other planters around it have this sticky stuff on them. It seems to be coming from the plant leaves. Any ideas? I had to move it and put plastic down, etc. I am not sure what to do? What is causing this?
I paid $15 for this then unnamed (no labels) plant at Home Depot, Toronto, Ont. Canada and in a few weeks the leaves started falling off. Someone told me to try plant food, and I did, and thought it was working, but it was not...the leaves started to get black then fall off.
Thankfully, I picked up an Indoor Gardening book and found out today (July 27'08) the name of this plant and was able to get to this site to see that the plant just needs light. The book did not help much otherwise - only other thing was to note that these plants are picky about dust.
I have lost a few plants including a hibiscus, probably due to lack of light. I wish that all Indoor Houseplants sold would have more comprehensive instructions the way they do on most outdoor plants.
The sharing on these sites will probably save some more of my plants...the info. about poisonous houseplants were also helpful.
Will see what happens now that I change the location of the plant.
I have a schefflera from my father-in-law's funeral (6 months ago) that started out great, but is now losing a lot of leaves. It started with the leaves turning very dark which I'm told is from overwatering. I've since tried to water much less...waiting until the soil is dry all the way to the bottom (every 3 weeks at the most)...but the leaves are still dropping. I find about 1 leaf on the floor everyday.
I could use some help in determining if it's a watering issue or a light issue. The plant currently sits inbetween an east and west window so it gets lots of indirect sunlight. Unfortunately I don't have a south window to put it in front of and my west window is right near a heating/cooling vent. Help please!!!! Any suggestions welcome :)
does anyone know what I can plant schefflera with ? I would like to plant it together with one or two other plants indoor for decorative purposes.
Thanks.
Marina
I have a tall single stem scheflera and I would like it to bush out a little. How do I do it?
thanks Jen
FuzzyFleischer,
What do you mean by "I unsubscribed because I couldn't figure out how to answer a question"? I only allow comments and I do have to have them moderated because too many spammers come and post non-sense, thus why you may make a comment and not see it posted right away.
Thanks for sharing your tips!!
drayas
tamara,
The sticky substance is a pest. Rub the leaves down with rubbing alcohol. Then spray the plant twice a day with a soapy dishwater mixture.
Let us know if that works out for you.
- drayas
Marina,
Plant your Schefflera with other plants that require the same watering and lighting requirements. That will give you the most healthy looking arrangement.
Thanks for reading,
drayas
My parakeet eats my Schefflera plant all the time with no problems--How poisonous could it be?
parnelli,
I can't say, but various sources I used for reference label it as poisonous.
Safe and Poisonous Houseplants - University of Connecticut
Common Indoor Plants Which are Toxic
Thanks,
drayas
I have a question. After moving to a new house 2 months ago my plant's leaves are falling off. Also the higher up the plants are located the worse the condition of the plants. What is the problem?
I have old schefflera plant...25 years old ..and it has two stems growing out of one pot. I would like to take the taller gangly one and start a new plant.Any ideas on how to go about it.
Debbie,
I have never propagated a Schefflera, but earlier up in the comments another reader posted:
"I cut off the stem that the leaves are attached to and stuck it in some potting soil. That was about 2 - 3 months ago and it is still living so I guess it is going to be alright."
Hope that helps.
drayas
I live in New Orleans, and have a schefflera tree. It was in a plastic pot, the roots busted the pot, and it now grows in the ground. I have to trim it twice a year. It is now over 10 feet tall, and it's winter time. It is about 5 to 6 years old, and has been outside all of this time.
My question is, I have little orange ball like figures growing in clusters on the plant, approximately 50 to a bundle. They are on the older parts of the tree, that get direct sunlight. What are these little balls? My guess, they are seeds, please advise.
Help, please! I have a HUGE Schefflera that has been growing outside, here in Tampa, FL, for about 10 years. It started as a potted house plant, then I planted it next to the house. It grew taller than my house. Beautiful, problem is we had a cold spell this winter and all the leaves fell off. I don't know if it is dead, or what to do. I want to save it if I can. Anybody have any ideas?
I have a 10+ year old schefflera that has done beautifully up until last fall. Many of the leaves turn yellow and then fall off. I'm at a loss at to what is wrong. It gets the right amount of light and water, it does not need a larger pot as I keep it pruned. Any sugestions?
why is my schefflera plant excreting a sticky sappy substance?
I have had my schefflera since I was 2 years old (literally) It is 28 years old now and has certainly seen better days. I've always taken good care of it, but didn't really know what was proper care when I was in my teens. It's now about 6 feet tall but is really leaning hard, has a big curve. I know I didn't have the right place for it in one of my apartments. It does have what I call the baby that's been growing for maybe 12 years, it's really short and hardly grows. I have brought it to a greenhouse for a professional to replant it when I was afraid it didn't have enough room. They suggested not seperating the baby. I have a huge attachment for "my tree" and really want to make sure it's healthy again. How can I best straighten it out and should I have them seperated?
Quick question regarding the 'soapy' mixture to get rid of mites. I assume that is what i am seeing flying around my plant that i have owned for only one week! What is the ratio of soap to water? Does it matter what kind of soap? and do i spray the soil and roots, leaves, or both?
Hi, I have a Gold Capella Schefflera plant that is about 2-3 feet tall. I want to know how to prune it and possibly cut part of it and replant it to start a new schefflera. Can anyone give me some tips?
Thanks
I have just bought a Yellow variegated Schefflera but have only just noticed in very small print]the words "may cause skin allergy" on the label. I cannot find any reference to this on your plant care page, and would appreciate some clarification. I probably would not have bought it if I had seen the warning.
R Westgarth
Lots of interesting info...just wanted to add I live in San Diego, we have outdoor "tree" scheffleras...one is approx 25' high!! And every once in awhile, they decide to bloom...a beautiful cluster of purplish flowers. I remember being just awed the first time I noticed that.
I have a Hawaiian Schefflera plant for several months and the leaves have fallen off alot. Could you tell me what I have done wrong. I would like to know what I should do and will the leaves grow back full again. As when I first purchased it. I would like to save this plant. HELP PLEASE
SUSAN
Hi, I need some help desperately with my new schefflera plant. I bought it from a local nursary in NJ about a week ago. The store repotted it in a bigger pot when I bought and sprayed with lots of leave shine spray before I brought it home. After 4 days, the plant starts lossing leaves profusly everyday even with the slightest touch. I read some of your post here mentioning scale. I inspected my plant but not very sure if its scale.Not experience at all here. I took some photos and would like to show you, to ask if you could help me to identify if it is scale. HOw could I send or post the photos of the plant please?
Hi pplz i'm sorry but I can't help any of you i'm just starting out myself SORRY if i could help i seriously would
We have owned a schefflera for over 30 years. It was in a small pot (about 10") and never grew more than 4' tall with few leaves (sometimes only one branch of 5!)
This Spring we guessed it was pot bound but hesitated repotting it after reading all the horror stories on the net. But we bought a nice 18" pot with a wheeled coaster to put it on and replanted it with tons of new potting soil just barely covering the root ball. We watered like before and it was totally uneventful. No leaves fell off, no leaves turning orange and no drooping occurred like the net warned, but it didn't grow any more either.
Then I bought a new coffee maker that didn't have to be in the kitchen, so we placed it in the dining room where the schefflera is. Being lazy one day, we threw the day old coffee grounds in the scheff's pot instead of the trash since there was 3-4" of room. Did this a few more times.... WOW!!!! Scheffy (as we have always called her) started getting tons of new shoots, even new branches! We now put all our grounds in Scheffy's pot as well as any left over coffee (after it cools of course),
That was 5 months ago and Scheffy is now nearly 8' tall with a stalk nearly 5' and leaves galore. She has never been this beautiful. We now put those magic grounds on the tomatoes and green pepper plants. They like it better than that "Miracle" stuff and though the change is not as dramatic as Scheffy's, they are now producing more veggies! Hope this helps.
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