Being certainly necessary to take place among the plant collection both indoor and outdoor spaces, Dwarf Umbrella Tree is one of the most preferable plants. This palm-like plant originally inhabits Taiwan. Having been made tame by experts and scientists, Drawf Umbrella Tree finally becomes an easy-to-grow plant in almost every corner of the world. Aside from its common name, this houseplant is also known as the octopus tree and parasol plant. Besides, its scientific name is Schefflera Arboricola.
General Information
Dwarf Umbrella Tree usually has multiple trunks branching out a lot of thin stems with the palmate foliage looking like an umbrella from every angle. Also, it is an ivy-type plant just like Arrowhead Plant. For that reason, you should prune the invasive parts to keep them manageable. This bushy plant blooms red like Parlor Palm and gives fruits in nature but rarely indoors. Besides, it can reach up to 50 ft (15 m). This evergreen small tree is perennial in terms of the lifecycle. As a warning, Dwarf Umbrella Tree is a poisonous plant in case of ingestion. For that reason, you should keep away your pet from it.
How to Care for Schefflera Arboricola
Sunlight: Sometimes, Dwarf Umbrella Tree tolerates direct sunlight in a certain condition. But, the umbrella-like plant is vulnerable to direct sunlight in general. Therefore, this houseplant should stay in semi-shade corners or sheltered spots.
Watering: Schefflera Arboricola needs water when the first inch of soil is dry. As long as the soil keeps moist, weekly watering will suffice for this tropic plant. Also, this houseplant needs sparing water in the winter months due to dormancy.
Humidity: This tropic tree prefers medium or high humidity. To ensure such conditions, there are a few ways to meet the plant’s humidity need. These are wet pebbles trays, automatic humidifiers, and water sprays.
Temperature: The range 60°F – 75°F (15°C – 24°C) is nearly optimal for this tropic plant. Also, it can resist down to 55°F (13°C). But cold drafts and subzero temperatures could kill this houseplant.
Soil Type: Well-draining potting mixes are a great choice for this houseplant. Also, loam soil enriched with peat moss and perlite could be more effective in its quick development.
Fertilizer: The water-soluble fertilizer helps it grows fast. Applying monthly to this houseplant will be enough in its growing season.
Propagation: Stem cutting seems the best method. But this method bears the risk of giving damage to the mother plant. With careful work, it propagates without any problem.
Repotting: It requires for overgrown plants in general. Once two years, the pot should change. For example, if your existing pot is a soda can planter, the second must be a pallet planter. Meanwhile, before changing the pot, it should be water the day before. Otherwise, the transplant shock could destroy the roots.
Common Problems
Leaf curling: It stems from a lack of moisture in general. Dwarf Umbrella Tree loses much water when drying out. Due to not getting enough water from roots, it curls itself.
Leaf loss: Except for natural or seasonal reasons, this potential problem occurs due to stress, improper watering, a new position, low light, and low humidity.
Bug infestation: Mealybugs, aphids, scales, mites, and others attack this houseplant because of dryness. Unless early intervention gets done, these uninvited creatures kill the plant slowly.
Suggestions for problems: To prevent the leaf from curling, be sure if the water reaches the roots or not. So the topsoil should always stay moist. Because dehydration could kill the plant. On the other hand, almost everything could be the reason for leaf loss. So you should ensure the optimal condition for the houseplant. For bug-infested plants, you can use a damp cloth to clean the foliage weekly. Also, neem oils and pesticide soap may be useful.
