Schefflera

Hawaiian Schefflera (Schefflera arboricola), unlike its name, is native to Taiwan and Hainan. Outdoors it can reach 10-25 feet tall; indoors it can grow to 4-6 feet tall and wide. It’s a shrub with 7-9 leaflets arranged like an umbrella on short stems. The leaves are green and often have variegation of white and yellow. Schefflera can tolerate neglect which makes it a great starter plant.

AKA: Hawaiian Schefflera, Umbrella tree, Umbrella plant

Light: Tolerates low light but prefers medium to bright indirect light. The variegated varieties will loose their variegation in low light.

Watering: Allow 1/3-1/2 of the soil to dry before watering; moist but not wet. Water slowly and evenly; discard excess to avoid root rot.

Humidity: No preference.

Toxicity: Toxic to cats, dogs and humans.

Potting Mix: Rich, moist but well-draining.

Additional Care: Schefflera prefer to be rootbound in small pots. Prune if it gets to leggy as it promotes bushier growth. This makes it perfect for bonsai.