Introduction
Schefflera plant is commonly known as an umbrella tree that reaches a height of up to 8-10 feet outdoors and 2 – 3.5 feet indoors. the scientific name of this plant is Schefflera actinophylla (Endl.) Harms, Brassaia actinophylla Endl. and belongs to the Araliaceae family. For indoor conditions all you need is a large room and bright light, this plant is quite easy to grow and makes quite a statement. They are robust low-maintenance plants and are ideal for people who can’t devote too much time to caring for indoor plants. The following article is all about how to take care of the Schefflera plant and its air purifying capacity.
Why Schefflera plant is called an Umbrella plant?
This plant has long stems with 7-16 polished leaves, each up to 12 inches or 30 cm long their formation resembles the ribs of an umbrella and hence is commonly known as the Umbrella plant.
Botanical description of Schefflera actinophylla
Height
Maximum 8-15 meters, small perennial tree
Native
Originated in Australia, Papua New Guinea, Java, Taiwan, and New Zealand
Preferred environment
Best suited for tropical climates.
Leaves
The leaves compound palmate, 7 – 16 stalks leaflets arranged in a whorl, each 10 – 30 cm x 4 – 10 cm, leathery, oblong-elliptic in shape.
Inflorescence and flowers
Inflorescences in racemes, 10 – 15 stiff and long stalks radiating from a single point, up to 60 cm in length. Individual flowers are red and small, 0.6 cm wide, bisexual, fragrant with 11 petals, 11 stamens, and no sepals (1).
How to take care of Schefflera plant
This plant is very good for novice indoor Gardner. Only the major drawback of this plant is that it attracts the pest therefore before buying this plants make sure that there is no pest or insects on this planet. Also, mist occasionally reduces the infestation of insects.
1. Light Conditions
Keep the plant under medium to bright light spots. If the plant is variegated then keep it under bright light. Avoid too much moving of this plant as it results in the dropping of the leaves.
2. Temperature
65-75 degrees F (18-24 degrees Celcius). Do not allow it to drop below 55 degrees F (13 degrees Celsius).
3. Watering
Keep this plant evenly moist. Spray with water in order to clean the leaves or occasionally take them to the shower to keep them clean. Note: Do not let it stand under the water for a long time as it will affect the leaves.
4. Propagation
Propagates via stem cutting or seeds. Cut the stem and place it in a pot filled with a moist potting mixture. Cultivated both outdoors and indoors, on the ground and in pots respectively.
5. Potting media
Grows exceptionally well in hydroculture. For standard growth use commercial all-purpose potting soil. Adaptable but prefers rich and moist well-drained soil. Tendency to shed large amounts of leaves and seeds itself easily.