The Apollo Plant (Schefflera arboricola ‘Amate’) is a popular indoor plant, admired for its glossy green foliage and relatively straightforward care. This cultivar of the Dwarf Umbrella Tree is suitable for both novice and experienced plant owners. Its lush growth and unique leaf clusters add tropical elegance to any indoor setting.
Caring for Your Apollo Plant
Light Requirements
The Apollo Plant thrives in bright, indirect light. An ideal spot is near a north or east-facing window, providing diffused sunlight without scorching direct sun. While it tolerates medium to low light, growth may slow, and the plant can become leggy. Rotate the plant regularly for even exposure and balanced growth.
Watering Schedule
Water the Apollo Plant when the top 50-75% of the soil feels dry. Overwatering is a common issue leading to root rot, so ensure excess water drains completely. If the pot lacks drainage holes, water sparingly to avoid soggy conditions. Yellowing lower leaves can indicate overwatering, while wilting suggests the plant needs more water.
Humidity and Temperature
The Apollo Plant appreciates moderate to high humidity, ideally between 60-80%. Average household humidity is often sufficient, but in drier environments, misting, using a pebble tray, or a humidifier can increase moisture. The plant prefers temperatures from 60-80°F (16-27°C). Avoid sudden temperature drops, cold drafts, or heating vents, as these can cause leaf drop.
Soil and Fertilization
A well-draining potting mix rich in organic matter is suitable. A mixture with peat moss and coarse sand or perlite provides good aeration and drainage, preventing waterlogging. Fertilize during the active growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half strength, applied monthly. Fertilizing is not required during the dormant fall and winter months.
Pruning and Maintaining Shape
Pruning maintains the Apollo Plant’s size and shape, encouraging bushier growth. This can be done anytime. To encourage a fuller appearance, especially if the plant becomes leggy, cut stems back. Make cuts just above a leaf node or where a new leaf has sprouted, using clean, sharp pruning shears. Removing growing tips promotes outward branching. Avoid removing more than 30% of the plant at once.
Troubleshooting Common Apollo Plant Problems
The Apollo Plant can encounter a few common issues. Yellowing lower leaves often signal overwatering or root rot, which may also present as mushy stems and a foul odor. If this occurs, allow the soil to dry out significantly before the next watering and ensure adequate drainage. Brown leaf tips can indicate underwatering.
Pests like spider mites, scale, and mealybugs can affect Apollo Plants. Spider mites cause yellowing leaves and fine webbing, while mealybugs hide in leaf joints and leave sticky residue. Regularly wiping leaves helps detect and deter pests. Leggy growth, characterized by long, sparse stems, indicates insufficient light and can be remedied by moving the plant to a brighter location.
Propagating Apollo Plant
Propagating the Apollo Plant is done through stem cuttings. The best time is during spring or early summer, when the plant is actively growing. Select a healthy stem section, 4-6 inches long, with several leaves. Remove the lower leaves, ensuring at least two nodes remain.
The cut end can be dipped in rooting hormone (optional). Place the cutting in a well-draining potting mix, like a peat and perlite blend, or root it in water. If planting in soil, ensure at least one node is buried, and keep the soil consistently moist. For water propagation, change the water regularly until roots establish (3-6 weeks). Place cuttings in bright, indirect light and maintain high humidity, perhaps by covering them with a plastic bag.