Leaves like a hand
The Schefflera owes its common name umbrella tree to the leaves that fan out in a whorl of 5 to 9 leaflets from a central point, like the spokes of an umbrella or the fingers of a hand.
Schefflera
Schefflera
Everything you need to know about the Schefflera. Types, care, the ideal position and our XXL Schefflera collection in one place.
The most important thing in 30 seconds
- The Schefflera or umbrella tree comes from tropical Asia and the Pacific and belongs to the Araliaceae family
- Prefers a bright spot with indirect sunlight and tolerates partial shade better than most houseplants
- Water moderately and let the top layer of potting soil dry out in between to prevent leaf drop
- Not pet friendly, the plant is toxic to dogs and cats due to oxalate crystals
- One of the most forgiving houseplants, ideal for beginners and busy households
- Popular forms are the Arboricola Compacta, the large-leaved Amate and specimens on a stem
About this Finger tree planting guide
Did you know?
Three facts about the Finger tree that you may not have known yet.
Very forgiving
The Schefflera is one of the most forgiving houseplants. Forgotten watering, a dark corner, dry air, it accepts it all and keeps on growing.
A tough rainforest plant
In its natural habitat the Schefflera grows under the canopy of tropical rainforests. That is why, even indoors, it tolerates less light than many other houseplants.
Finger tree types and differences
Schefflera Arboricola Compacta
The compact shrub form with dense, glossy leaf fans. Full from bottom to top and the most common Schefflera for indoors.
Schefflera Amate
The Amate has larger, broader leaves with a deep green sheen. A robust variety that quickly takes on a lush appearance.
Schefflera on a stem
A Schefflera with one or more bare stems and a crown of leaves at the top. Gives a tree-like, tidy look, sometimes with a braided stem.
Top 5 Finger tree
Onze favoriete planten voor een Finger tree interieur, gekozen door onze stylingexperts. Met per plant de reden waarom hij werkt.
Voeg top planten toe via het pillar_top_plants metafield op deze pagina.
Finger tree care step by step
Follow these steps to keep your Finger tree healthy.
- 1
Watering
Give the Schefflera moderate water and let the top layer of potting soil dry out in between. On average once a week is enough, less in winter. The plant tolerates being slightly too dry better than too wet, as wet feet lead to leaf drop.
- 2
Light and position
Place the Schefflera in a bright spot with indirect sunlight. It tolerates partial shade well, but in a spot that is too dark it loses leaves and becomes sparse. Avoid harsh midday sun, which can scorch the leaves.
- 3
Feeding
From April to September, give liquid plant food for green houseplants once every two to four weeks. In autumn and winter the Schefflera needs no feeding because its growth comes to a standstill then.
- 4
Repotting
Repot the Schefflera once every two years in spring into a pot one size larger. Use airy potting soil for houseplants with good drainage. A pot that is too large holds moisture for too long.
- 5
Pruning and keeping in shape
The Schefflera prunes well. In spring, cut back long or bare branches to keep the plant fuller and more compact. It branches out again below the cut, keeping the shrub nice and dense.
Frequently asked questions about the Finger tree
Answers to the most frequently asked questions about the Finger tree.
How often should I water my Schefflera?
A Schefflera needs moderate water, on average once a week. Let the top layer of potting soil dry out in between and water less in winter. The plant tolerates being slightly too dry better than too wet.
Is the Schefflera toxic to dogs and cats?
Yes, the Schefflera is toxic to dogs and cats. The plant contains oxalate crystals that can cause irritation of the mouth, drooling and vomiting when eaten. Keep the plant out of reach of nibbling pets.
What is the difference between the Arboricola and the Amate?
A Schefflera Arboricola Compacta has smaller leaves and a dense, compact shrub form. The Schefflera Amate has larger, broader leaves and grows more quickly into a robust, lush plant. The Amate fills a space faster.
How old can a Schefflera get?
As a houseplant with good care, a Schefflera can easily reach ten to twenty-five years old. Pruning and repotting it regularly keeps it vital and compact so it lasts for years.
Why is my Schefflera losing leaves?
A Schefflera usually loses leaves due to too much water, a draughty spot or a sudden change of position. Water moderately, keep the plant out of draughts and give it time to settle, then it recovers on its own.
Can a Schefflera stand in the shade?
Yes, the Schefflera tolerates partial shade well because it naturally grows under the canopy of rainforests. Even so, in a spot that is too dark it becomes sparse and drops leaves. A bright spot with indirect sunlight keeps it looking its best.
When should I repot my Schefflera?
Repot a Schefflera once every two years in spring, when the roots come out of the pot. Choose a pot one size larger and use airy potting soil. A pot that is too large holds moisture for too long.
Which size Schefflera should I choose?
A Schefflera of around a metre sits nicely on the floor next to a sofa or cabinet, while a specimen of two metres or more really fills a space as an eye-catcher. Choose the height based on your ceiling and the spot you want to dress up.
Plant concepts explained
- Palmate leaf
- A leaf made up of several leaflets that fan out from a central point, just like fingers on a hand. Characteristic of the Schefflera.
- Leaflet
- One of the individual small leaves that make up a compound Schefflera leaf. A leaf usually has five to nine leaflets.
- Partial shade
- A spot with filtered or indirect light, without direct sun. The Schefflera tolerates partial shade better than many other houseplants.
- Oxalate crystals
- Needle-shaped crystals in the Schefflera that make the plant toxic to pets and cause irritation of the mouth and stomach when eaten.
- Pruning
- Cutting back branches to keep a plant compact and full. The Schefflera branches out again below the cut after pruning.
- On a stem
- A cultivated form in which the plant has one or more bare stems with a crown of leaves at the top, sometimes with a braided stem, for a tree-like look.
Resources and further reading
-
Kew Gardens
Scientific description of Schefflera
-
Royal Horticultural Society
Care advice and plant characteristics
-
Wikipedia
General encyclopedia information
Stay informed
Sign up for our newsletter and receive tips, offers and plant inspiration.
