Light: Indirect, bright light is best for this genus of plants. The plant can stretch quite tall if kept in rooms that are too dark.

Temperature: 65-90 F

Humidity: any areas

Schefflera can tolerate many humidity levels, but prefers more humidity like other tropicals

Water: Water when the top 2-4” of potting mix has dried. Control speed of growth by allowing the potting mix to dry more thoroughly between watering cycles.

Repotting: Repot every 1-2 years into a slightly larger container (1-2” increased diameter or depth). Use a general purpose potting mix.

Fertilizing: Either…

1. Water Application: Incorporate fertilizer into your watering cycle once per month March through September. Dilute an all purpose fertilizer (20-20-20) by half OR use your favorite fertilizer rated for houseplant use in your water.

2. Slow Release: Incorporate slow release fertilizer pellets into the top inch of potting soil every 6 months. Apply the rate indicated for indoor plants on the label. If no recommendation for houseplants is present, apply 1/4 to 1/2 the listed rate.

Family Araliaceae also houses English ivy (Hedera) and false parsley (Aralia).

(Listed in order of commonality…)

• Soft Brown Scale

• Two-spotted spider mites

• Mealybugs

• Stretch from too little light

Is umbrella plant pet safe?

Like the aroids, plants in the Araliaceae family often have calcium oxalate crystals (COC) that cause problems for animal digestive tracts. If ingested, symptoms include mouth and throat rashes or swelling, digestive discomfort and vomiting.