Plants
Umbrella Plant
Schefflera arboricola · Araliengewächse (Araliaceae)
The umbrella plant, known in Germany as Strahlenaralie, is one of the most forgiving and rewarding green plants around: upright, densely foliaged and instantly recognisable by its umbrella-shaped clusters of leaves. We have recommended it for decades to anyone who wants plenty of greenery with little effort. With the right care it stays a faithful companion for many years.
- Light
- Bright to semi-shade with plenty of indirect light; avoid harsh midday sun. Variegated cultivars need more light.
- Watering
- Water moderately, let the top of the substrate dry out, no waterlogging. Sparser in winter.
- Care level
- Easy
- Botanical
- Schefflera arboricola
The most common form in the trade is the small-leaved Schefflera arboricola, considerably more compact than its large-leaved relative Schefflera actinophylla. Popular cultivars include the yellow-green speckled Gold Capella, the cream variegated Trinette and the deep dark-green Nora. With variegated types the rule is: the brighter the spot, the stronger the markings.
In floristry and interior planting the umbrella plant is a dependable structural piece. As a specimen it adds a calm, evergreen accent to entrances, offices and living rooms; trained bushy as a young plant it fills planters and hydroculture bowls. Older specimens can be lifted on the stem to form little tree-like shapes.
Good quality shows in dense, even growth without bare patches, in firm glossy leaves and a stable, well-rooted ball. We source our green plants fresh through the Veiling Rhein-Maas and look for strong, hardened-off stock that takes the move into a home without complaint. Weak, drawn-up plants grown in too little light tend to shed their lower leaves quickly.
Stylistically the umbrella plant fits almost any concept: in modern minimalist interiors the dark-green form reads graphic and clean, while variegated cultivars brighten rooms and combine well with other foliage plants such as pothos, dracaena or indoor palms in playful botanical arrangements. A plain terracotta pot or a basket cover-pot shows off its habit best.
Care
- 01Bright to semi-shaded spot with plenty of indirect light; avoid harsh midday sun, which can scorch the leaves. Variegated cultivars need more light or their markings fade.
- 02Water moderately: let the top layer of substrate dry between waterings, but never allow waterlogging. Water clearly more sparingly in winter.
- 03Higher humidity is appreciated; occasional misting or a spot away from dry radiator air helps prevent leaf drop and spider mites.
- 04Feed with a foliage-plant fertiliser every one to two weeks from spring to autumn, and at most once a month in winter.
- 05Room temperatures between 18 and 22 degrees are ideal; cold draughts and relocation often trigger leaf drop, though the plant usually recovers. Prune in spring if needed to encourage bushy growth.
Frequently asked
- Is the umbrella plant toxic to cats, dogs and children?
- Yes. All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals and are toxic to cats, dogs and children. Ingestion can cause oral irritation and burning, increased drooling, difficulty swallowing and vomiting. Keep the plant out of reach of pets and small children, and wear gloves when pruning.
- Why is my umbrella plant dropping leaves?
- Leaf drop usually has one of three causes: a spot that is too dark, waterlogging with root rot, or a sudden change of location or cold draughts. Move the plant somewhere bright, let the substrate dry between waterings and avoid frequent relocation. It normally re-sprouts after a short settling-in period.
- Does the umbrella plant have a season or is it available all year?
- As a classic houseplant the umbrella plant is available year-round and stays evergreen. Its main growth period runs from spring to autumn; in winter it rests and then needs less water and feeding.
- How fast does the umbrella plant grow and can I prune it?
- In good light the umbrella plant grows briskly and can exceed a metre indoors. It tolerates pruning very well: cut back in spring, it branches out bushier below the cut. The cut points usually re-sprout with several new shoots.