The Umbrella Tree plant, also known as Schefflera, is a tropical plant that is native to Taiwan and Hainan Island in southern China. It belongs to the family Araliaceae and is a popular houseplant around the world due to its attractive foliage and ease of care.
The Umbrella Tree plant can grow up to 10 feet tall and has a distinctive appearance with long, glossy green leaves that are arranged like spokes on an umbrella. The leaves can be up to 12 inches long and have multiple points or “fingers.” The plant also produces small flowers that are followed by small, round berries.
The Umbrella Tree plant is easy to grow and care for, making it a popular choice for indoor and outdoor gardening. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. It prefers well-draining soil and should be watered thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it’s important not to let the plant sit in standing water.
The plant can be propagated through cuttings or by air layering. Cuttings should be taken from the stem tip and should include at least two leaf nodes. The cutting can be rooted in water or directly in soil.
The Umbrella Tree plant is primarily grown as a decorative houseplant, but it also has some medicinal uses. In traditional Chinese medicine, the plant is used to treat fever, cough, and sore throat. The leaves are boiled and used as a tea or crushed and applied topically to the affected area.
There are several varieties of Umbrella Tree plant available, each with its own unique foliage color and shape. Some of the most popular varieties include:
Yes, the Umbrella Tree plant is toxic to cats and dogs. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, and difficulty breathing if ingested.
The plant should be watered when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Overwatering can cause root rot, so it’s important not to let the plant sit in standing water.
Yes, the Umbrella Tree plant can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 10-11. It prefers well-draining soil and partial shade.
The plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer.