Why are the leaves dropping?

Leaf drop is usually caused by overwatering or sudden changes in light levels.

Does it need direct sun?

It prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its lush appearance.

Plant guide

Umbrella Tree.

Schefflera actinophylla

Pronounced shef-LER-uh ak-tin-oh-FILL-uh

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

The Umbrella Tree is a popular tropical plant known for its striking, palmately compound leaves that fan out like spokes on a wheel. It grows quite large in its native habitat, making it a bold statement piece for spacious indoor areas. With the right care, it brings a lush, jungle feel to any room.

At a glance

Care level: Easy
Plant type: Evergreen shrub
Light: Bright indirect light
Indoor light: bright-indirect
Water: Every 7 to 14 days
Mature size: Up to 3 meters indoors
Growth rate: fast
Hardiness: USDA 10 to 12
Bloom time: Summer

Care

Keep your plant in bright, indirect light to maintain its vibrant color and steady growth. Allow the top few inches of soil to dry out before watering again to avoid root issues. Watch for yellowing leaves, which often signal that the plant is getting too much water.

Watering: Water thoroughly when the top two inches of soil feel dry.
Feeding: Feed with a balanced liquid fertilizer during the active growing season.
Pruning: Trim back long stems to encourage a bushier shape.
Repotting: Move to a slightly larger pot when the roots become crowded.
Soil: Well draining potting mix
Soil pH: 6.0 to 7.0
Temperature: 15 to 27°C
Humidity: 40 to 60%
Drought tolerance: moderate
Lifespan: Perennial, typically 10 to 20 years 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.
The plant stops growing during the active season.

Safety

People: The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals that cause burning and swelling if ingested.
Pets: This plant is toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, causing oral irritation and swelling.
Children: Keep this plant out of reach of children because the sap and foliage are irritating if touched or chewed.
Contact allergens: The sap can cause skin irritation or dermatitis in sensitive individuals.
Airborne allergens: The pollen produced by the flowers can trigger allergic reactions in some people.
Edibility: This plant is not for consumption and can cause significant oral irritation.

How to identify it

Palmately compound leaves
Leaflets arranged in whorls
Glossy, dark green foliage
Long, slender leaf stalks

Height: 1.5 to 3m
Spread: 0.6 to 1.2m
Leaves: dark green, evergreen
Flowers: red, 1 to 2cm

Common problems

Spider mites — These tiny pests thrive in dry indoor air and cause stippling on the leaves.
Root rot — Overwatering leads to fungal decay of the root system.
Scale insects — Small brown bumps on stems and leaves that suck sap from the plant.

Growing it

Propagation: cuttings, seed
When to plant: spring, summer
Overwintering: Keep the plant away from cold drafts and heating vents during the winter. Reduce watering slightly as growth slows down in cooler temperatures.
In containers: It grows well in large containers, but ensure the pot has excellent drainage to prevent root rot.

Stem cuttings

Take a 6 inch cutting from a healthy stem.
Remove the lower leaves.
Place the cutting in a glass of water or moist potting mix.
Keep in bright, indirect light until roots form.

Group plants with similar water needs together to make maintenance easier.

Grows well with

Peace Lily — They share similar requirements for indirect light and consistent moisture.
Pothos — This trailing vine looks great at the base of the upright Schefflera.

Keep away from

Succulents — Succulents require much drier soil and more direct light than this plant.

Similar species

Dwarf Schefflera — It is a smaller, more manageable version of the octopus tree.

Science

Family: Araliaceae
Genus: Heptapleurum
Order: Apiales
Class: Magnoliopsida
Native range: Northern Australia, New Guinea, and Java.
Conservation: It is considered an invasive species in many tropical regions where it escapes cultivation.

In the wild, it often starts as an epiphyte in the canopy before sending roots down to the forest floor.

Uses: indoor ornamental, large space filler, office plant

Through the year

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Flowering

Fruiting

Foliage

Ecological indicators

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

Taxonomy resolved against GBIF.

Questions people ask

Why are the leaves dropping?: Leaf drop is usually caused by overwatering or sudden changes in light levels.
Does it need direct sun?: It prefers bright, indirect light to maintain its lush appearance.

Where the name comes from

The genus honors the German botanist Jacob Christian Scheffler. The species name actinophylla means rayed leaves, referring to the circular arrangement of the leaflets.

Good to know

It can grow quite large in its native habitat, reaching heights of 40 feet.
The leaves are compound, typically featuring 7 to 16 leaflets arranged in a circle.
It is a very popular choice for large indoor spaces due to its dramatic foliage.

Is your umbrella tree 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.