Arboricola (Schefflera)

Schefflera arboricola, commonly known as the dwarf umbrella tree, is a popular, low-maintenance houseplant that can thrive indoors with the right care. Its glossy, variegated leaves and compact size make it an attractive addition to any home.

Light

• Ideal Light: Bright, indirect light.

• Schefflera arboricola thrives in bright but filtered light, which helps it grow compact and strong.

Watering

• Water when the top 1-2 inches of soil feel dry.

• Schefflera prefers evenly moist soil but does not like to be in soggy soil

Soil

• Type: Well-draining, slightly acidic to neutral potting mix.

• A general-purpose potting mix works well, or you can use a mix designed for tropical plants.

• Adding perlite or sand to the soil helps improve drainage

Fertilizing

• Feed during the growing season (spring and summer) once a month.

• Use a balanced liquid fertilizer (e.g., 10-10-10 or 20-20-20) diluted to half strength.

• Fall/Winter: Avoid fertilizing during the dormant period, as the plant’s growth slows and it needs less nutrients.

• Tall, pale and thin growth indicates that the plant has an insufficient amount of available nutrients