Australian Umbrella Tree (Heptapleurum actinophyllum aka Schefflera) is an easy plant to grow and just requires bright, indirect light. Keep your digital thermometer nearby and only water when he's nearly dry. Umbrella trees can live to almost 25 years and get up to 10 feet tall indoors. Enjoy the bushy tendency and width he requires as he grows, and give him a wide berth. His finger-like leaves appear like an open umbrella, hence the name. We imagine this was Mary Poppin's favorite plant since it kept her in check and guided her!
Heptapleurum actinophyllum aka Schefflera actinophylla Care Guide
Keep your plant in bright to medium indirect light exposure and turn your plant each time you water to keep the plant from leaning in one direction.
Let your plant dry out almost completely before watering.
This plant will enjoy high humidity to low humidity.
Keep this plant out of cold drafts near open windows or doors to prevent leaf drop.
Outside: Keep it in part shade (morning sun) on a patio out of direct sunlight to prevent leaf burn. Bring inside when nights are below 55°F.
Apply a liquid fertilizer especially formulated for indoor plants. Apply during the spring, summer and fall season. Let it rest during the winter.
When receiving the Umbrella tree plant, do not repot immediately but wait at least 6-12 months or if the roots are beginning to get crowded and growing through the drainage holes.
Repot in the spring, using a 2 inches bigger pot to keep the roots drier. (Too big of a pot could cause the soil to dry slower, which is not helpful.)
Place a piece of screening at the bottom of the container over the drainage hole to secure the soil and allow it to drain. Use a well-draining indoor potting mix with perlite to help with drainage.
Water your plant in the old pot before transferring over and let it sit an hour.
Add soil to the bottom to elevate the root ball. Lift the plant and release the roots against the existing planter. Use a clean knife or garden trowel to wedge between the pot and the soil to loosen.
Inspect the root ball. Notice if there are any dead or rotting roots and trim off with sterile pruners. If the plant is rootbound, cut through the roots to alleviate continued encircling.
Ensure the plant is sitting about 1 inch below the edge of the pot to avoid water spillage. Add more soil and backfill around the sides by tamping down. Fill up to the soil line but not over.
Water thoroughly, leaving the soil damp but not soggy. If settling occurs, add more soil.
To shape your Umbrella tree, use pruners and cut right above the leaves. From here, the stem will fork and create two stems and produce more growth. Remove any dead, damaged or diseased leaves. Remove dropped leaves on the soil surface and replenish the soil if needed.
Take a stem cutting between 4-6 inches long with leaves attached with sanitized pruners.
Dip the cuttings in water, then in a rooting hormone.
Use a pot with drainage. and place the stem 1-2 inches down into the damp, well-draining, moist potting soil mix and tamp down around the stem securing it.
Place a clear plastic bag over the cutting to mimic a greenhouse and mist the bag. Set it in bright, indirect sunlight while they are rooting.
Check the moisture and humidity each day and add misting to keep the soil moist while the roots establish.
After 6-8 weeks, roots will begin to establish. You can tug onto the stem to ensure the roots are secure.
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Australian Umbrella Tree: Overview
The Australian Umbrella tree (Shefflera actinophylla) is a fast-growing houseplant with lush, vivid green leaves that look like umbrellas. This tropical plant belongs to the Araliaceae family and is native to Queensland, Australia. You can enjoy it indoors for over 20 years with the right care, and provided you’ve got the space (it can reach up to 8 feet).
Australian Umbrella trees prefer indirect sunlight and medium humidity. Protect them from cold drafts. Remember that Schefflera trees, including the Umbrella Plant, are toxic to cats and dogs, so keep yours out of reach of your pets.
The Australian Umbrella tree is a good-luck plant, associated with protection, good fortune, and balance.
Australian Umbrella Tree: Benefits
- Easy-care statement plant
- Fast-growing large plant for big spaces
- With air-purifying qualities
- Makes a perfect gift
- A lucky plant in Feng Shui
Australian Umbrella Tree: Alternative Names
- Octopus Tree
- Queensland Umbrella tree
- Amate Tree
- Australian Ivy Palm
Australian Umbrella Tree: Care Guide
The Australian Umbrella tree is a low-maintenance plant that is suitable for novice indoor gardeners. Check out our expert care tips below for optimal growth.
Watering and Light
The Australian Umbrella Tree prefers to dry out completely before you water it again. It thrives in medium indirect light, so avoid full-sun exposure to prevent scorching. Low-light conditions can affect its growth rate.
Temperature and Humidity
Your Australian Umbrella tree will feel best in temperatures ranging from 55°F to 75°F. It makes a great patio plant if you live in warmer climate zones (10-11). Schefflera plants prefer medium humidity.
Soil, Fertilizing, and Repotting
Use well-draining soil with added perlite and feed your Australian Umbrella tree monthly in the growing season with a balanced fertilizer. Repot your plant every 2 years or when it outgrows its pot.
Australian Umbrella Tree: Propagation
You can propagate your Schefflera tree plant from stem cuttings directly in moist soil. To speed things up, you can use a root hormone. Raise the humidity by placing a clear plastic bag over the pots. Put the plants in a warm spot with indirect light.
Pruning, Cleaning, and Common Issues
Trim your Australian Umbrella tree in the spring to maintain shape and size. Clean the leaves with a damp cloth to remove any dust. Overwatering is one of the most common issues that can lead to root rot and yellowing leaves. Prolonged exposure to direct sunlight and underwatering, on the other hand, can cause brown leaf tips and curled leaves.
Australian Umbrella Tree: Placement, Companion & Alternative Plants
You can pair your Australian Umbrella Tree with companion exotic plants of various sizes to create a lush, layered display, or place it as a focal point in a spacious living room or in your entry hall.
Best Locations & Uses
- Creates a focal point as a floor plant in any large room
- Ideal for beginners and plant lovers with busy schedules
- A large office plant that improves productivity
- Perfect for the bedroom, as it filters indoor air
- Suitable for households without pets
Companion Plants
Group your Schefflera actinophylla amate with other exotic beauties for the ultimate indoor jungle:
- Coffee Plant (Coffea arabica): The Coffee Plant features glossy green leaves and makes a great floor plant in a brightly lit room.
- Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree (Ficus lyrata): The Fiddle Leaf Fig Tree may be finicky, but once you understand its requirements, it will reward you with its lush foliage.
- Hawaiian Ti Plant (Cordyline terminalis): The spectacular Hawaiian Ti Plant features deep burgundy foliage that will contrast beautifully with the glossy, green leaves of your Schefflera.
Alternative Plants
As the Schefflera Actinophylla can be harmful to pets, consider the following pet-friendly plants:
- Areca Palm (Dypsis lutescens): The Areca Palm is a non-toxic indoor palm that boasts arching fronds and strong air-purifying benefits.
- Pineapple Plant (Ananas comosus): The beautiful fruiting Pineapple plant is another pet-friendly option with a tropical charm and low-maintenance needs.
- Money Tree Plant (Pachira aquatica): The lucky Money Tree is a pet-safe alternative that is easy to care for and can bring you prosperity.
Buy an Australian Umbrella Tree From Lively Root Today
Get a stunning Schefflera Amate from Lively Root to make a statement and add fresh greenery to your home!
