Schefflera, commonly called umbrella plants or trees, make excellent tropical houseplants. The larger Schefflera actinophylla features long, shiny, oval green leaves that droop gracefully from a central stalk, resembling an umbrella. Schefflera arboricola (dwarf schefflera) features smaller, glossy leaves, sometimes with creamy variegation.
These easy-growing plants can live 25 years or longer and produce flowers, but plants grown indoors rarely develop flowers. Schefflera grows best in indirect light, requiring a rich, loamy, well-draining soil and temperatures consistently warmer than 60°F. All parts of the schefflera plant are mildly toxic to humans and seriously toxic to dogs and cats.
The schefflera amate, also known as the umbrella tree, is a gorgeous indoor plant known for its lush, tropical foliage. With large, glossy green leaves, it adds a wonderful pop of color to any indoor space. While schefflera amate thrives outdoors in its native tropical habitats, it can also make an excellent houseplant if cared for properly. In this complete guide, we’ll go over everything you need to know to successfully grow schefflera amate indoors.
Overview of Schefflera Amate
Schefflera amate is a fast growing tree that can reach up to 65 feet tall in its natural rainforest environment. It is native to Australia and New Guinea The common name, umbrella tree, refers to the beautiful umbrella-like arrangement of its leaves
Schefflera amate features shiny, bright green leaves that can grow quite large, up to 3 feet long! This plant is an excellent choice for beginners, as it adapts well to indoor conditions. It is less picky than other schefflera varieties when it comes to care. With medium to bright, indirect light, schefflera amate will flourish indoors.
Light Requirements
Schefflera amate thrives in medium to bright indirect light. It can tolerate lower light conditions but growth will slow. Place your schefflera amate near an east or north facing window where it will get consistent indirect sunlight.
Avoid direct hot sun especially from southern or western exposures, as this can scorch the leaves. If you’re unsure of the lighting conditions in your home, use a light meter app on your phone to get an accurate reading. Schefflera amate does best with 200-800 FC of indirect light.
Rotate the plant every so often so all sides get even light exposure.
Watering and Soil Needs
Schefflera amate prefers soil that is evenly moist but not soggy, Allow the top inch or two of soil to dry out between waterings, Water thoroughly until it drains freely from the drainage holes at the bottom,
Take care not to overwater as schefflera amate is prone to root rot if left in standing water. Use a well-draining potting mix made for tropical plants. Amend with perlite or orchid bark to improve drainage. The soil should retain some moisture but also have air pockets for the roots.
Humidity
As a tropical rainforest plant, schefflera amate prefers average to high humidity. The minimum recommended level is 40%. Low humidity can cause leaf tip burn, brown edges, or excessive leaf drop.
Use a humidifier nearby to increase moisture in the air. Place the pot on a pebble tray filled with water, keeping the pot above the water line. Misting the leaves every few days will also boost humidity.
Temperature
Normal indoor temperatures between 60-80°F are ideal for schefflera amate. Avoid exposing it to cold drafts or hot air vents. This plant cannot tolerate temperatures below 50°F or rapid temperature fluctuations.
Fertilizer
To fuel growth and keep the foliage lush, fertilize schefflera amate every 2-4 weeks during spring through fall. Use a balanced liquid fertilizer diluted to half strength. Reduce frequency to monthly in winter.
Flush the soil with plain water every few months prevent fertilizer buildup.
Pruning
To maintain its desired size and shape, prune back the new growth on your schefflera amate. Make cuts just above leaf nodes using clean, sharp shears. You can prune in early spring to shape the plant. Remove any dead or damaged growth as needed.
Propagation
Propagate schefflera amate from stem cuttings or through air layering:
Stem cuttings
- Take 4-6 inch cuttings in spring or summer. Remove lower leaves and place in water or moist potting mix. Keep warm and humid until roots form.
Air layering
- Make a 2 inch cut on a stem, wrap with sphagnum moss, then wrap in plastic. When roots form in the moss, detach and pot up.
Repotting
Repot schefflera amate every 2-3 years in spring using a potting mix formulated for tropical plants. Choose a pot one size larger and remove any circled roots before repotting.
Common Problems
Here are some common issues you may encounter when growing schefflera amate:
- Drooping leaves – Usually caused by under watering. Check soil moisture.
- Leaf spotting – Sign of overwatering. Allow soil to dry between waterings.
- Leaf drop – Can indicate inadequate humidity or light.
- Mealybugs – Treat with insecticidal soap. Isolate affected plants.
- Root rot – Repot in fresh, well-draining soil. Don’t overwater.
Tips for Growing Schefflera Amate Indoors
- Provide brightly lit spot, but avoid direct hot sun. East or north facing window ideal.
- Water when top inch of soil is dry. Don’t let sit in soggy soil.
- Mist leaves or use pebble tray to boost humidity. 40% minimum recommended.
- Repot every 2-3 years in spring using tropical plant potting mix.
- Rotate plant periodically for even light exposure and growth.
- Wipe leaves often with damp cloth to keep foliage clean and shiny.
- Prune as needed in spring to maintain desired size and shape.
With its huge, glossy tropical foliage, schefflera amate makes a wonderful accent plant for indoor spaces. Follow this schefflera amate care guide for light, water, humidity, pruning, and troubleshooting advice. Proper care will keep your umbrella plant healthy and looking its best for years to come!
Dropping Leaves
Schefflera may drop leaves because it is stressed. When a sudden shift to its environment occurs, whether sun exposure, temperature, drafts, or watering changes, the plant will show its distress by dropping leaves.
Check that the soil is sufficiently moist but not soggy. Ensure the plant has indirect light and temperatures remain consistently above 60°F. (Its preferred temperature range is between 65°F and 90°F.)
Planting
Plant schefflera in the spring or fall when the weather is more mild and not too hot. If growing outdoors, youll want to select a location that gets bright yet indirect light.
If growing indoors, place your plant by a bright window that gets indirect light as full sun can burn the plants leaves. Plant with a well-draining potting soil and water when the top inch of soil becomes dry.
Umbrella Plant Care for Beginners! Schefflera Light, Watering, Soil, & More!
FAQ
How do you care for a Schefflera plant indoors?
- Water regularly. Schefflera plants are drought-tolerant so that they can handle brief periods of low water. …
- Clean the leaves. …
- Monitor for pests. …
- Prune occasionally. …
- Repot every few years.
Why are the leaves on my Schefflera plant turning brown and crispy?
While these plants do fine in normal household humidity, extremely low humidity and dry soil cause leaves to brown on their edges and eventually yellow. Mist, add a pebble tray, or place a humidifier nearby. Make sure your plant is not in a drafty area or in the path of heating and cooling vents.
How often should I water my Schefflera Amate?
How often to water your Schefflera Amate. Schefflera Amate needs 0.8 cups of water every 9 days when it doesn’t get direct sunlight and is potted in a 5.0″ pot.Feb 25, 2022
Do Schefflera plants like to be misted?
Misting the leaves can slightly increase the humidity around the plant, but it should not be misted frequently or too heavily, as this can lead to fungal or bacterial growth on the leaves. It’s best to use a humidifier or place a tray of water near the plant to increase humidity levels.