Why are my leaves dropping?

This is usually a sign of overwatering or a sudden change in light levels.

Does it need direct sun?

It prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its shape and color.

Plant guide

Umbrella Tree.

Schefflera

Pronounced shef-LER-uh

Also known as schefflera

The umbrella tree is a popular houseplant known for its glossy, palmately compound leaves that radiate like spokes on a wheel. It grows into a handsome, tree like shrub when given enough space. You will love how it brings a lush, tropical feel to any bright corner of your home.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Tropical evergreen shrub
Light: Bright, indirect light is best, though it can tolerate some morning sun.
Indoor light: Bright indirect
Water: Every 7 to 10 days
Mature size: 6 to 8 feet indoors
Growth rate: Medium
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Rarely in home settings, but late summer if mature.

Care

Keep the soil consistently moist but never soggy to prevent root issues. Watch for yellowing leaves, which often signal that the plant is getting too much water. Wipe the leaves occasionally with a damp cloth to keep them free of dust and pests.

Watering: Water when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch.
Feeding: Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season.
Pruning: Trim back long stems to encourage a fuller, bushier shape.
Repotting: Repot when the roots begin to circle the bottom of 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 drainage holes
Water running straight through the pot
Stunted growth

Safety

People: The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals which cause irritation if ingested or handled by sensitive individuals.
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 children as ingestion of leaves causes mouth and throat pain.
Contact allergens: The sap can cause skin irritation or dermatitis in sensitive people.
Airborne allergens: There is no significant evidence of airborne allergens from this plant.
Edibility: This plant is not edible and should be kept away from food preparation areas.

How to identify it

Glossy, palmately compound leaves
Leaflets arranged like umbrella spokes
Woody, upright central stems
Dense, bushy growth habit

Height: 1.5 to 3m
Spread: 0.6 to 1.2m
Leaves: dark green, variegated, evergreen
Flowers: white, greenish yellow, 0.5 to 1cm
Fruit: dark purple, black, Autumn

Problems to watch for

Root RotCommon
Spider MitesCommon
Brown Leaf EdgesUncommon
Leaf DropUncommon
MealybugsUncommon
Scale InsectsUncommon

By symptom

Check your umbrella tree from a photo

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Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, air layering, seed
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Move the plant indoors before the first frost. Keep it away from cold drafts and heating vents.
In containers: It grows very well in containers, provided the pot has drainage holes and is at least 25 centimeters wide.

Stem cuttings

1. Take a 10 centimeter cutting from a healthy stem.
2. Remove the lower leaves.
3. Dip the cut end in rooting hormone.
4. Place in moist potting mix.
5. Cover with plastic to maintain humidity.

Group plants with similar water needs to make maintenance easier.

Grows well with

Peace Lily — They share similar light and humidity requirements.
Philodendron — These plants thrive in the same indoor conditions.

Similar species

Dwarf Umbrella Tree — It is a smaller, more compact version of the common Schefflera.

Science

Family: Araliaceae
Genus: Schefflera
Order: Apiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Tropical regions of Australia and Taiwan.
Conservation: Not currently of conservation concern.

It grows as an epiphyte or terrestrial shrub in tropical rainforests.

Value to wildlife: nectar source
Pollinators: bees, butterflies
Uses: indoor ornamental, office plant, patio container

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

Salinity: 2/9
Soil reaction: 6/9
Light: 5/9
Moisture: 5/9
Nutrients: 5/9
Temperature: 8/9

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why are my leaves dropping?: This is usually a sign of overwatering or a sudden change in light levels.
Does it need direct sun?: It prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its shape and color.

Where the name comes from

The genus is named after the German botanist Jacob Christian Scheffler.

Good to know

It is often called the umbrella tree because its leaves radiate from a central point like spokes.
Schefflera can grow quite large in its native habitat, sometimes reaching tree size.
It is a very forgiving plant for beginners.

Also in

Plants toxic to cats and dogs

Keep your umbrella tree growing

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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.