Does it need direct sunlight?

It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some shade.

How often should I water it?

Water when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry to the touch.

Plant guide

Australian umbrella tree.

Schefflera actinophylla

Pronounced hep-tah-PLEW-rum ak-tin-oh-FY-lum

Also known as Schefflera actinophylla, Australian cabbagetree, Australian umbrella-tree, Octopus tree, Queensland umbrella-tree, octopus-tree, umbrella tree, umbrella-tree

Heptapleurum actinophyllum — Photo by geosesarma (CC BY) via gbif

This striking tropical tree is a favorite for its lush, glossy foliage that spreads out like spokes on a wheel. It makes a bold statement in any room with enough space to accommodate its size. You will love how it brings a bit of the rainforest into your home.

Another photo of Australian umbrella tree — Photo by Codrin Bucur (CC BY) via iNaturalist

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Tropical evergreen tree
Light: Bright indirect light is best for healthy growth.
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 10 days
Mature size: 10 to 40 feet in nature, smaller in containers.
Growth rate: Fast
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Late spring to early summer

Care

Let the top inch of soil dry out before watering, and never let it stay soggy, to prevent root issues. Watch for yellowing leaves, which often signal that the plant is sitting in too much water. Dust the large leaves regularly so the plant can breathe and photosynthesize effectively.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the growing season.
Pruning: Trim back long stems to encourage a bushier shape.
Repotting: Move to a larger pot once the roots begin to crowd the container.
Soil: Well draining potting mix.
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
Temperature: 15 to 29°C
Humidity: 50 to 70%
Drought tolerance: Moderate
Lifespan: Long lived perennial, often decades in ideal conditions.
Deer and rabbits: Moderate

Signs it needs repotting

Roots growing out of the drainage holes.
Water running straight through the pot without soaking in.
Stunted growth during the active season.

Safety

People: The sap can cause skin irritation in sensitive individuals, and ingestion of plant parts may cause mild toxicity.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested.
Children: Keep this plant out of reach of children as the berries and leaves can be harmful if ingested.
Contact allergens: The sap contains calcium oxalate crystals which can cause contact dermatitis.
Airborne allergens: The pollen can be an irritant for those with severe allergies.
Edibility: The berries are not considered safe for human consumption and may cause digestive distress.

How to identify it

Compound leaves with oval leaflets
Leaflets arranged in circular umbrella pattern
Glossy dark green foliage
Sturdy upright woody stems

Height: 3 to 12m
Spread: 1.5 to 4m
Leaves: dark green, evergreen
Flowers: red, pink, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: dark purple, black, Late summer

Problems to watch for

Root RotCommon
Spider MitesCommon
Leaf DropUncommon
MealybugsUncommon
Scale InsectsUncommon
Sooty MoldUncommon

By symptom

Plant problems by symptom

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, seed, air layering
When to plant: spring, early summer
Overwintering: Move to a frost free location if temperatures drop below 10 degrees Celsius. Reduce watering significantly during the cooler months.
In containers: It grows very well in containers, provided the pot has excellent drainage and is large enough to support its weight.

Stem Cuttings

1. Take a 15cm cutting from a healthy stem.
2. Remove the lower leaves.
3. Place in a moist potting mix or water.
4. Keep in bright, indirect light until roots form.

Group plants with similar tropical moisture needs to create a microclimate that keeps humidity levels stable.

Grows well with

Peace Lily · They share similar light and humidity requirements.
Philodendron · It makes a great companion for filling in the lower space.

Similar species

Schefflera arboricola · It is a smaller, more compact relative often used in similar indoor settings.

Science

Family: Araliaceae
Genus: Heptapleurum
Order: Apiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Australia, New Guinea, and Java
Conservation: It is considered an invasive species in some tropical regions where it outcompetes native flora.

It often begins life as an epiphyte, eventually sending roots down to the ground to become a large tree.

Value to wildlife: nectar source, provides fruit for birds
Pollinators: bees, birds
Uses: ornamental houseplant, indoor specimen, tropical landscape plant

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 5/9
Temperature: 7/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 5/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Does it need direct sunlight?: It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some shade.
How often should I water it?: Water when the top few centimeters of soil feel dry to the touch.

Where the name comes from

The name Heptapleurum refers to the seven-part leaf structure, while actinophyllum describes the radiating leaf arrangement.

Good to know

It is commonly known as the umbrella tree due to its leaf arrangement.
In its native habitat, it can grow as an epiphyte on other trees.
It is a very popular choice for indoor offices due to its tolerance of lower light.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

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This guide was generated with AI on September 26, 2026 and checked against GBIF taxonomy. It is general information, not horticultural or veterinary advice. Read about how we build these guides.