How much light does it need?

It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels.

How often should I water it?

Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch.

Plant guide

Schefflera.

Schefflera

Pronounced shef-LER-uh

Also known as schefflera

Schefflera digitata — Photo by kiwialli (CC BY) via gbif

The umbrella tree is a popular houseplant known for its glossy, palmately compound leaves that fan out like spokes on a wheel. It's a sturdy, fast-growing tropical plant that adds a lush, architectural feel to any indoor space. With the right light, it can grow quite large and become a beautiful focal point in your home.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Tropical evergreen shrub
Light: Bright indirect light is best for healthy growth.
Indoor light: bright-indirect
Water: Every 7 to 10 days
Mature size: Up to 2 to 3 meters indoors.
Growth rate: fast
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Rarely blooms indoors, but can flower in summer in ideal conditions.

Care

Keep your plant in bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant color and steady growth. Allow the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings, and watch for yellowing leaves which often signal overwatering. Wipe the leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to keep them dust-free and healthy.

Watering: Water when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim back long stems to encourage a bushier, fuller shape.
Repotting: Repot when the roots begin to crowd the container.
Soil: Well-draining, peat-based potting mix.
Soil pH: 6.0 to 6.5
Temperature: 15 to 24°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 10 to 20 years indoors.
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 despite proper care.

Safety

People: The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals which cause irritation to the mouth, tongue, and throat if chewed or swallowed.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, as it contains calcium oxalate crystals.
Children: Keep this plant out of reach of small children because the leaves are toxic if ingested.
Contact allergens: The sap can cause skin irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: It is not typically known to cause respiratory issues.
Edibility: This plant is toxic to pets and humans if ingested, so keep it away from curious mouths.

How to identify it

Palmately compound leaves with oval leaflets
Leaflets arranged in a circular pattern
Glossy, leathery leaf texture
Sturdy, upright woody stems
Mature plants may develop aerial roots

Height: 0.9 to 3m
Spread: 0.6 to 1.5m
Leaves: dark green, variegated, evergreen
Flowers: white, red, pink, 1 to 2cm
Fruit: dark purple

Common problems

Spider mites — These tiny pests create fine webbing and cause yellowing leaves.
Root rot — Overwatering leads to mushy, decaying roots and yellowing foliage.
Leaf drop — Sudden changes in light or temperature often cause the plant to shed leaves.

Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, seed
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Keep the plant away from cold drafts and heating vents during winter. Reduce watering slightly as growth slows down in the cooler months.
In containers: It grows very well in containers, provided the pot has good drainage and is at least 10 to 12 inches wide for mature plants.

Stem Cuttings

Take a 4 to 6 inch cutting from a healthy stem.
Remove the lower leaves to expose the nodes.
Place the cutting in a glass of water or moist potting mix.
Keep it in bright, indirect light until roots form.
Transplant into a permanent pot once roots are established.

Group plants with similar water needs together to make your care routine easier.

Grows well with

Peace Lily — They share similar light and moisture requirements.
Pothos — They thrive in the same indoor conditions and look great together.

Keep away from

Succulents — Succulents need much more light and less water than the umbrella tree.

Similar species

Dwarf Umbrella Tree — It is a smaller, more compact version that is perfect for tabletops.

Science

Family: Araliaceae
Genus: Schefflera
Order: Apiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Tropical regions of Australia, New Guinea, and Taiwan.
Conservation: It is not currently listed as a threatened or endangered species.

It grows as an epiphyte or a tree in tropical forests, often starting its life on other trees.

Uses: Indoor ornamental, Air purification, Tropical landscaping

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

How much light does it need?: It prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate lower light levels.
How often should I water it?: Water when the top inch or two of soil feels dry to the touch.

Where the name comes from

The genus name honors the German botanist Jacob Christian Scheffler. It is commonly called the umbrella tree due to the arrangement of its leaflets.

Good to know

It is often called the umbrella tree because its leaves fan out like spokes on an umbrella.
In its native tropical habitat, it can grow into a massive tree.
It is a very popular choice for beginners because it is quite forgiving.

Is your schefflera looking unwell?

This page is a general guide. Pocket Botanist diagnoses problems from a photo of your actual plant, works out watering for your light and conditions, and reminds you when care is due.

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