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The Umbrella Plant: Complete Guide and Care Tips
If you’re looking for a low-maintenance plant that’s sure to impress, the umbrella plant (Schefflera arboricola) may be just what you need. This tropical evergreen is native to Taiwan and Southern China, but thanks to its luscious green foliage and easy-to-care-for nature, it’s become a popular houseplant all around the world.
Appearance of the Umbrella Plant
The umbrella plant gets its name from the shape of its leaves – when viewed from above, they resemble an open umbrella. The leaves grow in clusters on long stems that can reach up to 4ft tall if left unpruned. But don’t worry if you don’t have space for a towering tree; with regular pruning, this plant can be kept at any height you desire.
In addition to its distinctive leaf structure, the umbrella plant is known for its glossy green foliage which is made up of individual leaflets. These leaflets are oblong or oval in shape and are typically 2-4 inches long.
Caring for Your Umbrella Plant
As mentioned earlier, one of the best things about owning an umbrella plant is how easy it is to care for! Here are some tips that will help keep your Schefflera arboricola healthy:
- Watering: The key thing here is not to overwater your plant. Allow the top inch or so of soil to dry out completely before watering again. Depending on where you live and how warm/dry your home environment is, this could mean watering anywhere from once every two weeks to twice a week.
- Light: While this plant does well in bright, indirect light, it can also tolerate low light conditions. That being said, if you notice your umbrella plant’s leaves starting to droop or turn yellow, it may be a sign that it needs more sun.
- Temperature: As with many tropical plants, the umbrella plant prefers warmer temperatures between 60-80°F.
- Fertilizing: During the growing season (spring and summer), fertilize your umbrella plant once a month with an all-purpose houseplant fertilizer.
Potting and Repotting Your Umbrella Plant
If you’ve just brought home a new umbrella plant from the nursery or garden center, chances are it’s already in a pot that’s too small for its size. As such, repotting may be necessary to give the roots more room to grow.
The best time to repot your umbrella plant is in late winter or early spring – this is when growth is at its slowest. Choose a pot that’s 1-2 inches larger in diameter than your current one and make sure there are drainage holes at the bottom so excess water can escape.
You’ll also want to check on your Schefflera arboricola every year or two after repotting – if you notice roots coming out of the drainage holes or see lots of tangled roots when you remove it from its pot, it’s time to replant again!
Pests and Diseases
While umbrella plants are generally pretty hardy and resistant to pests/diseases, there are still some things to watch out for:
- Aphids: These tiny insects feed on sap from leaves/stems and can cause wilting/yellowing. Use neem oil spray or insecticidal soap to get rid of them.
- Spider mites: These minuscule pests spin webs on leaves and suck out plant juices, causing damage. Try a spray of water or insecticidal soap to get rid of them.
- Root rot: Overwatering can lead to root rot, which is caused by fungus/mold. If you notice your umbrella plant’s leaves wilting/drooping despite being well-watered, it may be a sign of root rot. Remove the affected parts and repot in fresh soil.
In Conclusion
The umbrella plant is an excellent choice for anyone looking for a low-maintenance houseplant that can add some greenery to their home or office space. With proper care (including regular pruning!), your Schefflera arboricola will thrive for years to come!
