The ‘Apollo’ plant (Schefflera arboricola ‘Apollo’), also known as the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, is a popular indoor plant. Its common name comes from its glossy, palmate leaves radiating from a central stem, resembling an umbrella. It is valued for its compact growth and lush foliage.
Apollo Plant Care Essentials
Apollo plants thrive in bright, indirect light. Place them near an east, west, or diffused south-facing window to avoid direct sun. Insufficient light causes leggy growth; too much direct sun burns leaves.
Allow the top 50-75% of the soil to dry between waterings. When watering, ensure liquid flows through the drainage hole. Discard any excess water in the saucer to prevent standing water.
Apollo plants need a well-draining potting mix, preferably rich in organic matter. A peat-based mix or a blend with perlite or coarse sand provides aeration and drainage, preventing waterlogged conditions.
Apollo plants prefer temperatures between 65°F and 90°F, with 60°F to 75°F ideal for indoors. They need moderate to high humidity; 50-60% or higher is preferred, though 30-40% is tolerable. Increase humidity with a humidifier or pebble tray.
During the active growing season, typically spring and summer, fertilize Apollo plants every two weeks with a balanced liquid houseplant fertilizer. Reduce or cease fertilization during dormant months.
Troubleshooting Common Problems
Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering (soft, yellow leaves) or underwatering (dry, yellow leaves). Adjust watering frequency to allow the soil to dry between sessions. Yellowing can also signal nutrient deficiencies or pest infestations.
Drooping or wilting leaves result from too little or too much water. If the soil is too dry, the plant wilts. Conversely, soggy soil leads to root rot, causing wilting as damaged roots cannot absorb water. Inspect soil moisture and roots for mushiness to diagnose.
Brown leaf tips or edges result from low humidity or inconsistent watering. Dry indoor air, especially in winter, causes crisp edges. Increase humidity with humidifiers or pebble trays, and ensure consistent watering. Fluoride or chlorine in tap water can also contribute.
Pest infestations, including spider mites, mealybugs, and scale, affect Apollo plants. Spider mites create fine webbing and cause yellowing foliage. Mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses on stems and leaves. Treat pests by wiping affected areas with isopropyl alcohol or applying neem oil or insecticidal soap.
Propagating Apollo Plants
Propagate Apollo plants using stem cuttings. Select a healthy 3-6 inch stem section with at least two nodes. Remove lower leaves, leaving a few at the top.
Cuttings root in water or soil. For water rooting, place the cut end into a glass of water, ensuring at least one node is submerged. Change water weekly. For soil rooting, insert the cutting into well-draining potting mix, burying at least one node.
Rooting requires warmth, bright indirect light, and moderate to high humidity. Cover potted cuttings with a plastic bag to maintain humidity. Roots develop within 3-6 weeks.
Pruning and Shaping Your Apollo Plant
Pruning maintains the Apollo plant’s size, encourages bushier growth, and removes leggy or damaged stems. This stimulates new growth from trimmed areas, preventing sparseness.
Use clean, sharp pruning shears to cut just above a leaf node. This promotes new shoots and a denser appearance. Pruning can be done any time for indoor plants, but early spring is ideal as the plant enters its active growing season. Aggressive pruning rejuvenates overgrown plants; cut stems to about 6 inches from the base, ensuring 2-3 nodes remain.