Schefflera plants, commonly known as umbrella trees, are appreciated for their lush foliage, whether as houseplants or in landscapes. While primarily known for their leaves, these plants can also produce flowers. All species within the Schefflera and Heptapleurum genera can produce flowers.
Understanding Schefflera Flowers
Schefflera flowers are generally small and are white, yellow, green, or red, depending on the species. They typically appear in clusters along long spikes or panicles, sometimes resembling octopus tentacles, leading to the common name “octopus plant” for some varieties. These flower structures, known as inflorescences, are composed of many tiny blossoms. For example, Schefflera arboricola produces more compact, small white spikes.
Flowering predominantly occurs on mature plants grown outdoors in suitable climates. They thrive in warm conditions, ideally between 65 and 90°F (18-32°C), and require ample light, often full sun, to initiate flowering. Outdoor plants in USDA Hardiness Zones 10 to 12 are most likely to produce flowers, typically in the summer.
Why Indoor Schefflera Rarely Flower
Indoor Schefflera plants seldom produce flowers due to several environmental and physiological factors that differ significantly from their natural outdoor conditions. One reason is that indoor plants often do not reach the same maturity or size as their outdoor counterparts. Outdoor Schefflera can grow into large trees, sometimes reaching 25-40 feet in height, while indoor specimens are typically maintained at a much smaller size of 4-8 feet.
Insufficient light is a major limiting factor for indoor flowering. Schefflera plants require substantial light, often full sun or at least eight hours of direct sun, to produce blooms. Indoor settings, even near bright windows, rarely provide the intensity or duration of light necessary to trigger flowering. Additionally, the confined space and root restriction in pots can inhibit the plant’s ability to allocate energy towards flower production.
Indoor environments also lack the distinct seasonal temperature fluctuations and higher humidity levels that outdoor plants experience. These consistent conditions indoors do not mimic the natural cues that encourage flowering. Indoor Schefflera plants prioritize energy towards developing lush foliage, meaning less energy is available for flower production.
The Fruit and Seeds of Schefflera
After successful flowering, Schefflera plants develop fruit and seeds. The fruit are typically small, round drupes, which are fleshy fruits with a single hard seed inside. These berries often start green or orange and mature to a dark purplish-red or black color. They usually appear in clusters along the spent flower stalks.
Each fruit contains flattened seeds. All parts of the Schefflera plant, including the fruit, are considered toxic if ingested. They contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral irritation, burning, swelling, excessive drooling, and digestive upset in humans and pets. Though typically not fatal, consuming large quantities can lead to more severe symptoms. It is advisable to keep the plant, especially its fruit, out of reach of children and pets.