Umbrella Tree

 Cyperus alternifolius, or schefflera, 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.  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 thier 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, 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.  

   Temperature:

Umbrella trees need consistent temperatures so it is not advisable to place them near doorways or windows or a heater/ac blower.  

 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.

Top heavy:  umbrella tree new growth will mainly occur at the top of a plant allowing it to branch further and further out the hire it goes 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. 

Spider mites scale insects, mealy bugs and aphids are all common insect problems the umbrella tree can attract