The umbrella tree, also known by names like octopus tree and schefflera, is an extremely popular houseplant adored for its graceful, umbrella-shaped leaves. With its exotic visual appeal and easy care requirements, it’s easy to understand why the umbrella tree is a favorite for plant parents.
In this article, we’ll look at some captivating pictures of the umbrella tree and discuss what makes this plant so extraordinary.
An Overview of the Umbrella Tree
The umbrella tree belongs to the Araliaceae family and has over 800 species, but the most popular indoor varieties are the dwarf umbrella tree (Schefflera arboricola) and the Queensland umbrella tree (Schefflera actinophylla)
Some quick facts about the umbrella tree:
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Originated in Taiwan, Australia, and Papua New Guinea.
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Features dark green, glossy, oval-shaped leaves that radiate out from the stems like the spokes of an umbrella. Leaves can grow between 3-12 inches long depending on the variety.
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Some varieties have variegated leaves with yellow or white markings.
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Small greenish flowers bloom in summer followed by orange-red berries in fall. The flowers and berries are not very showy.
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Can grow up to 50 feet tall outdoors in tropical climates but is more often grown as a houseplant and kept under 10 feet indoors.
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A fairly low maintenance plant that can tolerate lower light and inconsistent watering
Now let’s look at some of those gorgeous umbrella tree pictures and see what makes this plant so visually striking!
Umbrella Tree Pictures: Graceful, Exotic Foliage
The most noticeable feature of the umbrella tree is its elegant, umbrella-shaped foliage. Each leaf radiates outward from a central point, creating a lovely radial pattern. The leaves unfurl and open to reveal glossy green tops and often reddish-purple undersides.
Here are some beautiful images showing off the umbrella tree’s stunning foliage:
Umbrella tree with green and purple leaves
The purple undersides of the leaves give this umbrella tree variety beautiful contrast!
Close up of umbrella tree leaf
A close up that shows the intricate veining and rich color of the leaves.
A lovely full umbrella tree specimen showing off the circular leaf pattern.
The gracefully arching foliage adds elegance and a tropical vibe to any space. It’s easy to see why the umbrella tree is such a coveted houseplant.
Variegated Varieties
While green is the most common umbrella tree leaf color, you can also find beautiful variegated cultivars with splashes of white, yellow, or pink on the leaves.
The variegation adds extra visual interest and gives these umbrella trees a striking, show-stopping look.
A variegated umbrella tree variety with pink and white markings.
Umbrella tree with yellow variegation
Yellow adds a bold punch of color against the dark green leaves.
Variegated umbrella trees need more light to maintain their patterning. But their uniqueness makes them highly coveted by plant collectors.
Growth Habit
The umbrella tree has a distinct growth habit unlike many other houseplants. The leaves radiate out from a central stalk in a whorl, forming the iconic umbrella shape.
New leaves emerge from a single growth point at the tip of each branch and stem. This gives the plant a tree-like appearance, with bare stems and all the foliage concentrated at the ends.
Here are some examples of the umbrella tree’s interesting natural shape:
The bare stems and compact leaf arrangement give it a tropical, tree-like shape.
New leaves sprout from the central stalk in a symmetrical fashion.
Even young umbrella trees display the characteristic whorled leaf arrangement.
Ideal Indoor Tree
With its tropical look but manageable size, the umbrella tree makes an excellent houseplant tree. It adds height and drama without taking over your living space.
The umbrella tree’s slender, upright shape contrasts beautifully with its wide, spreading canopy. It brings the aesthetic of an outdoor tree inside.
The umbrella tree’s tropical foliage and tree-like habit make it a striking indoor plant.
Large umbrella tree houseplant
Given enough space, the umbrella tree becomes a majestic indoor focal point.
Its elegant good looks and ability to thrive in homes make the umbrella tree a top choice for an indoor tree. It brings energy and a tropical vibe wherever it’s placed.
The Perfect Table Plant
The umbrella tree’s small size and lush foliage also make it the ultimate tabletop plant. Its graceful leaves and compact shape let it fit seamlessly into any space.
Setting an umbrella tree on an end table, desk, or shelf adds a burst of life and freshness. It also adds some nice height variations to your plant display.
The umbrella tree introduces an element of the tropics to this desk area.
Umbrella tree and potted plants
A perfect size for combining with other potted plants on a table.
The umbrella tree is a must-have for anyone looking to add intrigue to their tabletop or shelves.
Bringing the Tropics Home
With its lush, tropical foliage and distinctive umbrella-shaped leaves, the umbrella tree is a miniature taste of the tropics. Looking at pictures of a thriving umbrella tree, you can practically feel a warm breeze and smell the salt air.
Lush umbrella trees evoke thoughts of tropical shores and exotic locales.
The umbrella tree’s ability to conjure up images of faraway, exotic places is part of its enduring appeal. It brings a touch of paradise to any indoor space.
An Easy-Care Houseplant
While it looks decidedly tropical and fussy, the umbrella tree is actually quite forgiving when it comes to care. It tolerates low light and occasional neglected watering that would doom other plants.
Pictures of lush, thriving umbrella trees are a testament to their durability. With just a few basic care guidelines, even novice gardeners can keep an umbrella tree happy for many years.
With proper care, umbrella trees reward you with vigorous, long-lasting beauty.
This toughness and adaptability add to the umbrella tree’s appeal as a no-fuss houseplant. They bring graceful elegance without demanding perfect conditions.
A Striking Specimen Plant
With its vibrant tropical allure and elegant shape, the umbrella tree always steals the show as a stunning specimen plant. Its uniqueness makes it a true standout in any plant collection.
Place an umbrella tree by itself in a large container to let its beauty take center stage.
Umbrella tree alone on pedestal
On its own, it becomes a living sculpture.
The umbrella tree steals your attention with its one-of-a-kind look. Let it star as a solo plant, or make it the focal point of your indoor garden.
A Striking Addition to Any Space
However you decide to feature it, the umbrella tree always adds intrigue and elegance. With its graceful form and vivid colors, it enhances any space.
An umbrella tree can even liven up bare, neglected corners.
Used outdoors, it becomes a stunning garden accent.
Whether used as a houseplant, patio plant, or landscape accent, the umbrella tree always upgrades your space with its vibrant presence. It’s a design element that packs a visual punch!
A Plant That’s Hard Not to Love
After looking through these beautiful umbrella tree pictures, it’s easy to see why this plant has such devoted fans. The graceful, spreading foliage looks like a work of art. Cascading leaves in rich greens and contrasting hues create living sculpture.
The umbrella tree brings intrigue and elegance wherever it grows. It thrives with basic care, rewarding you with vigorous growth. For an exotic indoor tree that anyone can grow, look no further than the spectacular umbrella tree!
Frequently Asked Questions
What are the disadvantages of umbrella trees?
The Queensland umbrella tree can be invasive in tropical environments, as it is a prolific seeder. It can invade forests and reserves, causing harm to local ecosystems’ flora and fauna.
What is the difference between an umbrella plant and an umbrella tree?
Umbrella plant and umbrella tree are common names used interchangeably for the schefflera genus. Scheffleras can be shrubs or trees depending on the species.
Do umbrella trees like sun or shade?
Umbrella trees prefer bright, indirect light for at least 4 hours daily. Too much direct sun can burn the leaves, while insufficient light causes leggy growth.
How big do umbrella trees get?
Indoors, umbrella trees grow up to 8-10 feet tall. The large leaves can reach 12 inches long and are arranged in a pinwheel shape. Outdoors in tropical climates, they can reach 50 feet.
Full Planting & Care Instructions
1. Planting: The Umbrella Tree prefers full sun to partial shade, so placing in front of a bright window is best, provided theres some protection from the harsh afternoon sun.
Select a container thats twice the width of the shipped container and one that has drainage holes. Use organic soil mix, place your Umbrella Tree and water to settle the roots.
2. Watering: Use your finger to check the surrounding soils moisture level. Water your plant when theres a full inch of dryness from the top of the soil.
3. Pruning: Generally, you can just remove dead and damaged foliage. You may trim your Umbrella Tree for shaping, but excessive pruning is unnecessary.
Estimated Shipping Time: Most orders ship immediately. As noted on the website, some items are seasonal, and may only ship in spring or fall. Once your order is shipped, youll receive an email with a tracking number.
| Amount of Order | Shipping Charge |
|---|---|
| Less than $ 129 | $19.95 |
| $ 129 + | FREE SHIPPING! |
| Mature Height : | 3-5 ft. |
| Mature Width : | 2-3 ft. |
| Sunlight : | [“Indirect sun”] |
| Growth Rate : | Moderate Growing |
| Does Not Ship To : | AZ, OR |
| Grows Well In Zones : | Indoors |
Vibrant Tropical Growth and Foliage Indoors
A native of tropical regions, the Umbrella Tree offers vibrant green foliage and cascading growth thats reminiscent of an exotic rainforest. The Umbrellas leaves radiate outward in a wide silhouette, giving the tree its name.
Enjoy the little-to-no maintenance requirements of this tree. Just give it a bit of sun and water, and watch it grow! No matter where you place it in your homescape, the Umbrella Tree offers an exotic touch thats second to none. It grows to fit the space its in!
But the best part? You get the best Umbrella Tree available. Your tree has a healthy, better-developed root system and arrives at your door with our tried-and-true delivery process, so you get a personalized experience. Grown with expert care and shipped directly to your door, your Umbrella is ready to grow as soon as it arrives.
So, take the guesswork out of growing, and avoid the dirt in your backseat or endless search for healthy plants from big-box. Upgrade your homescape with an Umbrella Tree today!