Tropical Page Plant, also known as the Schefflera arboricola, is a popular houseplant that belongs to the Araliaceae family. This plant is native to Taiwan, Hainan, and southern China. It is commonly grown as an ornamental plant in many parts of the world due to its attractive foliage and ease of care.
The Schefflera arboricola was first described in the year 1912 by a German botanist named Karl Moritz Schumann. It was named after Jacob Christoph Scheffler, who was a renowned German physician and botanist. The plant was initially found growing in Taiwan’s lowland forests, where it thrived under the canopy of tall trees.
In the 1920s, Tropical Page Plant was introduced to the United States through Hawaii. From there, it spread across the country and eventually became a popular houseplant. Today, it is grown all over the world, including in Australia, Europe, and South America.
Tropical Page Plant is a small tree or shrub that can grow up to 4 meters tall. Its leaves are glossy green and have multiple leaflets arranged like an umbrella. The plant produces small flowers that grow in clusters and turn into small berries.
The plant’s scientific name is Schefflera arboricola, which means “tree-like Schefflera.” This name describes the plant’s growth habit, which is similar to a small tree.
Tropical Page Plant is also known by other common names like Dwarf Umbrella Tree, Hawaiian Umbrella Tree, Octopus Tree, and Parasol Plant. These names describe some of the plant’s unique features, such as its umbrella-like leaves and its resemblance to an octopus.
Tropical Page Plant is a relatively easy plant to care for, making it an ideal choice for beginners. Here are some tips on how to care for this plant:
Apart from being an attractive houseplant, Tropical Page Plant has several benefits:
A: Water the plant when the top inch of soil feels dry. Be careful not to overwater, as this can cause root rot.
A: Yes, you can propagate Tropical Page Plant through stem cuttings. Simply cut a stem with a few leaves and place it in moist soil. Keep the soil moist and warm, and roots should start to develop in a few weeks.
A: Yes, Tropical Page Plant is toxic to pets like dogs and cats. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause mouth irritation, drooling, and difficulty swallowing.
A: Tropical Page Plant can grow up to 4 meters tall in its native habitat. However, when grown as a houseplant, it typically grows up to 1-2 meters tall.