Dwarf Umbrella Tree

Schefflera arboricola, or "Umbrella" tree is a fast grower if you get it's sunlight and watering needs met sufficiently.  It can get at least 6 feet high and it does look very tree like.  It is a statement piece at full length and can truly bring a little nature/outside vibe indoors for home decor.  Miniature versions of these guys are popular in bonsai gardening.  They stay much smaller in stature by design.  Other common names: umbrella tree/plant, octopus tree

 Plant Care Tips

Watering  Root rot is a common killer of these guys. They do prefer to be a little wet all the time but on the drier side of things vs damp. Best to water only when the soil is dry. Typically as they grow they will require bigger pots than other plants so make sure that they are in a proper sized pot and use a moisture meter that goes all the way to the bottom of their pots so you know whether there is still water they can access even if the top is dry. Otherwise you could overwater easily.

Lighting  Bright or moderate, indirect light for these trees.  It can be very particular about its lighting needs.  Too much sun and its leaves can burn.  Too little and even if it doesn't show signs of struggling it won't grow very fast or at all if its just maintaining. 

Heat & Humidity   Umbrella trees need consistent temperatures so it is not advisable to place them near doorways or windows or a heater/ac blower.  Above 60 but below 90 is ideal temperature for them. It is a tropical tree so enjoys humidity.  Perfect for bathrooms, laundry rooms etc but also a good candidate for a regular, light misting. 

Soil Medium  Falling in line with them not wanting to be water logged- the soil needs to be well draining and contain sand if possible.  Peat moss would also be helpful in the soil.  They likely only need repotting every couple years as they grow and you want a pot where they are snug but not compact to prevent too much excess soil for root rot.  That being said Umbrella Trees have a tendency to grow top heavy.  New growth typically appears at the top of the tree and grows out from there producing the "umbrella" effect it gets its name from.  You want to make sure it has a heavy and big enough pot to stabilize it or it will start falling over.  

Common issues with the Umbrella tree include it tipping over, New growth will mainly occur at the top of a plant allowing it to branch further and further out, hence its name umbrella. However, if you are not paying attention or catch it early enough, it will become top heavy. If it's not in a heavy enough pot to stabilize it, it will fall over.  These guys can also attract spider mites, scale insects, mealy bugs and aphids.  Basic pesticides should help fight these off if you catch them early enough.

 The Schefflera genus encompasses approximately 600 species that are indigenous to regions in Asia, Africa, and the southwestern Pacific.  Among these diverse species, three are particularly popular as houseplants:

• Schefflera arboricola - A smaller and popular choice for home gardens, this version has leaves ranging from 1 to 2 inches in tight clusters. It is often a variegated variety, displaying creamy blotches on its leaves. Outdoors, it can grow up to 25 feet, but as a houseplant, it is generally maintained at no more than 6 feet tall.

• Schefflera alpina - This variety can be cultivated as either a small tree or shrub, achieving a height of up to 6 feet. It is characterized by its glossy, dark leaves with pointed leaflets, adding a touch of elegance to indoor spaces.

• Schefflera actinophylla - This is the most widely recognized schefflera, known for its oval leaves that can extend up to 10 inches from a central stalk. While it can reach an impressive height of 50 feet outdoors, indoor plants typically do not exceed 15 feet.

These guys can have long longevity in the right locations and can live up to 25 years!