The Variegated Umbrella Plant, also known as Schefflera Arboricola, is a popular houseplant known for its variegated leaves and unique shape. This plant is native to Taiwan and Hainan Island in southern China, but it has become popular all over the world due to its striking appearance and ease of care.
In this article, we will explore the origin of the Variegated Umbrella Plant, its history and how it became a popular houseplant.
The Variegated Umbrella Plant belongs to the family Araliaceae, which includes over 1,200 species of plants. It was first described by botanist Carl Johann Maximowicz in 1870. The plant was named after Jacob Christoph Scheffler, a German physician and botanist who lived in the 18th century.
The Schefflera Arboricola plant was first introduced to the United States in the 1950s. It quickly became popular due to its unique shape and variegated leaves. Today, it is one of the most popular houseplants in the world.
The Variegated Umbrella Plant is a small tree that can grow up to 10 feet tall if left to grow in its natural environment. However, when grown as a houseplant, it usually stays between 4-6 feet tall.
The leaves of the Variegated Umbrella Plant are oval-shaped and have a glossy texture. They are usually green with yellow or cream-colored variegation. The plant also produces small flowers that are yellow-green in color.
The Variegated Umbrella Plant is an easy to care for plant that requires minimal maintenance. It does well in bright, indirect light and can tolerate low light conditions as well. It prefers well-draining soil and should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch.
There are several popular varieties of the Variegated Umbrella Plant, including:
Gold Capella: This variety has green leaves with yellow variegation that is more prominent than other varieties.
Trinette: This variety has green leaves with cream-colored variegation that is more evenly distributed than other varieties.
Green Arboricola: This variety has solid green leaves and is less common than the variegated varieties.
A: Yes, the Variegated Umbrella Plant is toxic to pets and humans if ingested. It contains calcium oxalate crystals that can cause irritation and swelling in the mouth and throat.
A: The Variegated Umbrella Plant should be watered when the top inch of soil is dry to the touch. Overwatering can lead to root rot, so it’s important not to let the plant sit in standing water.
A: Yes, the Variegated Umbrella Plant can be propagated through stem cuttings. Cut a 4-6 inch section of stem, remove the lower leaves, and place the cutting in soil or water until roots form.
A: The Variegated Umbrella Plant should be fertilized once a month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer.
The Variegated Umbrella Plant is a popular houseplant known for its unique shape and variegated leaves. It originated in Taiwan and Hainan Island in southern China and was introduced to the United States in the 1950s. It is an easy to care for plant that requires minimal maintenance and does well in bright, indirect light. With proper care, the Variegated Umbrella Plant can be a beautiful addition to any home or office.