The umbrella plant is a popular ornamental houseplant known for its striking foliage and relatively easy maintenance indoors. It is primarily categorized under the genus Schefflera, belonging to the Araliaceae family. Its lush, tropical appearance and ability to adapt to various indoor conditions make it a common sight in homes and offices worldwide.
Identifying the Umbrella Plant
The plant earns its common name from the distinctive structure of its leaves, which resemble the spokes of an umbrella. Each leaf is compound and palmate, meaning several glossy leaflets radiate outward from a single central point on the stem. These leaflets typically appear in clusters, commonly numbering between seven and nine.
The umbrella plant is a tropical and subtropical native, originating from regions like Taiwan, Australia, and parts of Asia. In its natural habitat, it can reach heights of up to 40 feet. When grown indoors as a houseplant, it is generally maintained at a height of 4 to 8 feet, retaining its upright, tree-like structure.
Popular Varieties and Common Names
The two species most frequently cultivated as houseplants are the larger umbrella tree and the smaller dwarf umbrella tree. The traditional umbrella tree is Schefflera actinophylla, also referred to as the Australian umbrella tree or the octopus tree. This variety has larger, wider leaflets and can grow into a taller specimen indoors, sometimes reaching 15 feet.
The dwarf umbrella tree, Schefflera arboricola, is the most common variety sold as the umbrella plant. This species has smaller, more compact leaves and a bushier growth habit, typically staying between two and four feet tall. S. actinophylla may have lightly toothed edges near the leaflet tips, while S. arboricola leaves are typically smooth. Popular cultivars of the dwarf variety exist, including forms with creamy-white or yellow variegation, such as ‘Gold Capella’ or ‘Janine.’
Essential Care Requirements
The umbrella plant requires bright, indirect light, as direct sun exposure can scorch its leaves. An ideal location is near an east or west-facing window, or a south-facing window filtered by a sheer curtain. Insufficient light will cause the plant to become leggy as it stretches for brighter conditions.
Watering practices are important, as overwatering is the most common cause of problems. Allow the soil to dry out partially between waterings, checking that the top inch or two of the potting mix is dry before adding more water. The plant prefers a rich, well-draining potting mix, often containing perlite or sand to ensure aeration and prevent root rot.
Umbrella plants prefer warm, tropical conditions, requiring temperatures consistently above 60°F (15°C) to prevent leaf drop. Keep them away from cold drafts or direct heat sources like vents. During the spring and summer growing season, apply a liquid houseplant fertilizer every four to six weeks. Fertilizer should be withheld during the fall and winter months when growth naturally slows down.
Toxicity and Safety Considerations
A safety consideration for umbrella plants is their toxicity when ingested by humans or pets, particularly cats and dogs. All parts of the plant contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which are the toxic principle. These microscopic crystals cause immediate pain upon contact with the mouth or throat tissues.
Symptoms of ingestion include intense burning and irritation of the mouth, lips, and tongue, excessive drooling, and difficulty swallowing. Vomiting and gastrointestinal distress may also occur. It is advised to place umbrella plants in locations inaccessible to curious pets and small children.