The Capella plant, scientifically known as Schefflera arboricola, is a favored houseplant, chosen for its appealing foliage and adaptable nature. This plant brings a touch of the tropics to indoor spaces, making it a popular addition to homes and offices. Its ease of care contributes to its widespread appeal among new and experienced plant enthusiasts.
Understanding the Capella Plant
The Capella plant is known by several common names, including Dwarf Umbrella Tree and Umbrella Plant. Its distinctive appearance features glossy, dark green leaves arranged in a circular pattern, reminiscent of an umbrella’s spokes. Each leaf typically comprises 7 to 9 leaflets.
The plant’s growth habit can range from a small indoor bush to a more substantial tree, depending on pruning and environmental conditions. While the common form displays solid green foliage, variegated cultivars like ‘Gold Capella’ exist, showcasing dark green leaves with striking golden-yellow variegation. These varieties brighten indoor environments with their vibrant patterns.
Capella Plant Care Guide
Light Needs
The Capella plant thrives in bright, indirect light. Placing it near an east or west-facing window often provides ideal light. Direct midday sun can scorch its leaves. While it can tolerate lower light, growth may slow, and the plant might become leggy or lose variegation. Too much direct light can also lead to yellowing, browning, or leaf drop.
Watering
Proper watering is important for Capella plants, as they are sensitive to both over and under-watering. Water thoroughly when the top inch or two of the soil feels dry to the touch, ensuring water drains from the pot bottom. Overwatering can lead to root rot, causing yellowing leaves, a mushy stem, or a foul smell from the soil. Signs of underwatering include drooping leaves and dry, crispy leaf edges.
Soil Requirements
A well-draining potting mix is important for Capella plants, preventing waterlogging and root rot. A suitable mix often includes peat moss, perlite, and regular potting soil for moisture retention and aeration. Good drainage allows excess water to escape, supporting healthy root development. The plant prefers a slightly acidic to neutral soil pH, typically ranging from 6.0 to 6.5.
Temperature and Humidity
The Capella plant prefers moderate indoor temperatures, between 60°F and 75°F (16-24°C). It is sensitive to sudden temperature fluctuations and drafts, so place it away from heating or cooling vents and open windows. While it can tolerate average household humidity, this tropical plant thrives in moderate to high humidity levels, between 40-60%. To increase humidity, use a pebble tray, group plants, or a room humidifier.
Fertilizing
During the active growing season (spring and summer), the Capella plant benefits from regular fertilization. Apply a balanced, water-soluble houseplant fertilizer, diluted to half the recommended strength, every 2-4 weeks. Reduce or cease fertilization during fall and winter when the plant’s growth naturally slows. Over-fertilization can lead to leaf burn or root damage. Always follow product directions.
Common Capella Plant Problems and Solutions
Capella plants show signs of distress from environmental factors or pests. Yellowing leaves often indicate overwatering, poor drainage, or nutrient deficiencies. If leaves turn yellow and feel soft or mushy, overwatering is a likely cause, while crispy, yellow leaves might suggest underwatering. Leaf drop can result from environmental stress such as sudden temperature changes, insufficient light, or drafts.
Root rot, caused by overwatering, appears as brown, slimy, or foul-smelling roots. If root rot is suspected, remove the plant from its pot, trim affected roots, and repot in fresh, well-draining soil. Common pests include spider mites and mealybugs. Spider mites often create fine webbing and cause stippling or yellowing of leaves. Mealybugs appear as white, cottony masses in leaf joints and under leaves, feeding on plant sap and leaving a sticky residue. For spider mites, spraying the plant with soapy water or neem oil is effective. Mealybugs are removed manually with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol or treated with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Propagating and Pruning Capella Plants
Propagating Capella plants is done through stem cuttings. Select a healthy stem section that is 4-6 inches long, cutting just below a node. Remove the lower leaves to expose the node, and optionally, dip the cut end in rooting hormone to encourage root development. Place the cutting in water or a moist potting mix in bright, indirect light; roots should form within weeks.
Pruning helps maintain the plant’s desired shape, control its size, and encourage bushier growth. Overgrown or leggy parts can be trimmed back to promote a more compact form. Regular pruning can also stimulate new branching, leading to a fuller appearance. Use clean, sharp shears for pruning to ensure clean cuts and prevent disease spread.
Toxicity and Safety
The Capella plant is toxic if ingested by humans or pets. All parts of the plant contain calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause irritation. Ingestion leads to symptoms like oral irritation, excessive drooling, difficulty swallowing, and vomiting. To ensure safety, place Capella plants out of reach of small children and curious pets.