How To Make Your Plants Happy: Umbrella Plant Care Guide

Drawing of umbrella plant

Light

This plant prefers bright indirect light. While it can tolerate low to medium light conditions, it will grow more slowly. Avoid direct sunlight as this will cause the leaves to burn. This plant grow towards the light so rotate it around every month for even growth.

Water

Water every 7-14 days or as the soil becomes dry. This plant is flexible about watering but will be more tolerant of dry soil than overwatering. Yellow leaves are a sign of overwatering and drooping leaves are a sign it needs more water. Be sure to empty out the saucer of excess water after watering as it does not like to sit in puddles of water.

Environment

Keep the temperature around 65-75°F for best results. If the temperature drops too low, this will cause the leaves to fall off of the plant. Standard household humidity is acceptable and this plant does not have any additional humidity requirements.

Growth

This plant grows quite fast and can reach up to 3'-6' indoors when potted. Fertilizer is not necessary for this plant. If desired, feed once or twice a year using a half strength houseplant fertilizer.

Repotting

Repot this plant once year during spring or as needed when the plant is potbound. Use, rich well-drained soil and a new pot that is 1" larger in size when repotting.

Propagating

The umbrella plant can be propagated through cuttings. Cut off a 6" stem and leave on 4-5 leaves. Dip the stem into rooming hormone and place into potting mix. Keep the cutting in a warm location with bright, indirect light and it will grow roots within a month.

Toxicity

This plant is mildly toxic. Keep away from pets as your pets will most likely become ill if the leaves are ingested.

Photo of a potted umbrella plant

About the Umbrella Plant

Botanical Name: Schefflera arboricola

Nicknames: Umbrella Plant, Dwarf Umbrella Tree, Octopus Tree, Schefflera

The umbrella plant gets its name from the unique bright, glossy green foliage that grows in an eight spoke style that resembles that of an umbrella. It has a long, sturdy trunk that branches out into about 12-16 leaflets per stem in a mature plant. This plant is low maintenance and easy to care for. The lively, lush and green foliage is the perfect statement to any room. This plant is a great air purifier and it can remove toxins like benzene, formaldehyde and toluene as well as toxins create from cigarette smoking. 

Comment 1

Vanessa Simpson on

My plant came in today and is absolutely beautiful. I’m excited to start his care ion his new home. Thank you for taking care of him to this point. Thank you so much for sending me a happy healthy plant.

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