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bright indirect light (3-6 feet from a south or west window, or right next to an east window. Under a grow light, 6-10 inches away works well) is ideal; tolerates moderate shade but growth slows considerably and variegated forms lose their color. Keep away from direct midday sun which scorches the large leaves. Rotating the plant monthly ensures even growthLight
water thoroughly (water until it drains out the bottom. Empty the saucer after 30 minutes so the roots are not sitting in water) when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry; water less in winter. Use lukewarm water when possible. Overwatering causes root rot and yellowing leaves while underwatering causes rapid leaf drop - both look alarming but the fixes are oppositeWater
Tolerates average household humidity (40-50%); appreciates higher humidity but is not demanding about itHumidity
60-85F (16-29C); minimum 54F (12C) in winter. Keep away from cold drafts and air conditioning ventsTemperature
easyDifficulty
Schefflera actinophylla Umbrella Tree with large palmate leaves

Scheflera actinophylla

Schefflera actinophylla

Easy

Schefflera actinophylla is a bold, architectural houseplant with large, glossy, finger-like leaflets arranged in circular clusters of 7–16 that radiate out like the spokes of an umbrella. Indoors it typically reaches 6–10 feet, but in its native outdoor habitat it can climb to 50 feet with a truly commanding presence. The 'Octopus Tree' nickname comes from its spectacular red tentacle-like flower spikes — rarely seen indoors, but worth knowing about.

Schefflera actinophylla Umbrella Tree with large palmate leaves
Cayambe via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Schefflera actinophylla Umbrella Tree with large palmate leaves
Cayambe via Wikimedia Commons (CC BY-SA 4.0)
Care Guide

How to grow Scheflera actinophylla

Light

bright indirect light (3-6 feet

Water

water thoroughly (water until it

Humidity

40-50%

Temperature

60-85F (16-29C); minimum 54F (12C) in winter.

Soil

Well-draining, sandy potting mix; combine

Propagation

Stem-tip cuttings of 4-6 inches

Common Problems

Spider mites, scale insects, aphids,

Did You Know

Fun Facts

In optimal outdoor conditions, Schefflera actinophylla can reach 50 feet tall — the same plant that sits politely in a 10-inch pot in your living room can become a canopy tree in the tropics

Pet Safety

Toxic to pets

Toxic to cats and dogs per ASPCA - contains terpenoids, saponins, and insoluble oxalates. Causes mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, and diarrhea. The sap can also cause contact dermatitis in humans

Sources

  1. Schefflera actinophylla (Umbrella Tree) Indoor Care and Problems (opens in new tab)Reference
  2. Schefflera actinophylla (Umbrella Tree) Indoor Care and Problems (opens in new tab)Reference
  3. Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Umbrella Tree | ASPCA (opens in new tab)Reference
  4. Toxic and Non-toxic Plants: Umbrella Tree | ASPCA (opens in new tab)Reference
  5. Umbrella Plant Care Guide (Schefflera) | The Old Farmer's Almanac (opens in new tab)Reference
  6. Umbrella Plant Care Guide (Schefflera) | The Old Farmer's Almanac (opens in new tab)Reference
  7. Umbrella Tree: The Best Ways to Grow Scheffleras - Epic Gardening (opens in new tab)Reference
  8. Umbrella Tree: The Best Ways to Grow Scheffleras - Epic Gardening (opens in new tab)Reference
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