Schefflera Plant Care: What to Know

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Today, I’m going to talk to you about one of my favorite houseplants. I have a lot of favorite houseplants, and this one is the Schefflera, commonly known as the umbrella plant. I absolutely love this plant for a variety of reasons. One reason is that it’s really easy to grow indoors if you just keep a few things in mind, which we’re going to cover in this plant care video.

The other reason I love it is because it’s beautiful. I love the umbrella-like foliage, and it also grows in your home to be a nice, big houseplant. It makes a really good tall floor plant for your home. Tall floor plants fill in corners really nicely, and they can even be used as natural screens in open spaces. For instance, if you have a great room or a one-bedroom apartment and want to partition it off naturally, these plants make a great option for that as well.

As mentioned, Schefflera plants are easy to grow and fairly fast-growing. They can also be grown outdoors in temperate areas, such as Southern California. However, since they are semi-tropical, they can’t be grown outdoors in most areas of North America. If your Schefflera does get too big and you live in an area where it can survive outdoors, you might consider moving it outside. Alternatively, they can be grown on screened-in porches or areas that stay warm during the winter months.

To keep your Schefflera healthy and happy, there are a few things you should keep in mind. One important aspect is watering. You don’t want to overwater this plant, as it will quickly develop root rot. I have a playlist on what to do if you think your plant has root rot and how to potentially save it, so I’ll put that link below. To avoid overwatering, let the top inch or so of soil dry before you water the plant. If it’s a big plant, you may want to let it dry down to about two inches before watering. When you do water, use warm to tepid water, which is ideal for all houseplants.

If you’re using a moisture meter, aim for a reading of four, approaching three. Four is the last point of moisture, and three is considered dry. Watering at this point will help keep your Schefflera healthier in the long run.

When it comes to lighting, Schefflera plants do best in bright, indirect light. They thrive near a southern or eastern window with unobstructed light. Western light can be too harsh later in the day, so morning light from the east or consistent southern light is preferred. These plants also do well under full-spectrum lighting that simulates daylight. If you have medium light, the Schefflera will still do well, though it may grow more slowly. However, low light conditions are not ideal, and in such cases, you’ll want to supplement with full-spectrum lighting.

Schefflera plants aren’t heavy feeders. I suggest feeding them every three to four months with an organic houseplant food. I have a product I’ll link below—my Green Gourmet Houseplant Food—which is organic and gentle, providing a nice fertilizing effect. Worm compost is another great additive for these plants. Remember not to fertilize during the winter months; start feeding in early spring and do your last fertilizing in late to mid-fall.

As for pruning, these plants can get quite tall, so if you want to keep your Schefflera bushy, you can prune it back. When pruning, cut back to the main stem, as this will promote bushier growth. Be careful not to prune more than one-third of the plant at a time, as this could shock the plant and disrupt the ideal two-thirds plant to one-third pot ratio. Over-pruning could also lead to the need for repotting sooner than necessary.

Schefflera plants are tolerant of a range of humidity levels, doing well with a minimum of 45% humidity and thriving in higher humidity. While they can tolerate lower humidity, they will appreciate higher levels.

Regarding pests, Schefflera plants occasionally attract mealybugs and, less commonly, spider mites. If spider mites are present, it’s likely that the plant is too dry, as these pests prefer dry conditions. To avoid pest issues, ensure your plant is adequately watered and in the right humidity.

When repotting, use soil that retains some moisture but also drains well. A soil mix with perlite or pumice is ideal, as it promotes drainage, which is essential for preventing root rot.

That’s it for how to grow this beautiful plant, Schefflera. Thank you for stopping by today! Please leave any comments about indoor gardening tutorials you’d like to see. Remember to like, comment, subscribe, and share this video. Also, please check the bell if you’d like to be notified when new videos are released.

Schefflera (Umbrella Plant) Care FAQ

What is the Schefflera plant?

The Schefflera, commonly known as the umbrella plant, is a popular houseplant known for its ease of care and attractive umbrella-like foliage. It can grow into a nice, big houseplant, making it ideal as a tall floor plant for your home.

Where can I grow a Schefflera plant?

Schefflera plants can be grown indoors and in temperate outdoor areas like Southern California. They are semi-tropical and cannot survive outdoors in most parts of North America. They can also thrive on screened-in porches or areas that stay warm during winter.

How should I water my Schefflera plant?

To avoid root rot, let the top inch of soil dry before watering your Schefflera. For larger plants, allow the soil to dry about two inches deep. Always water with warm to tepid water. If you’re using a moisture meter, water when the reading is at four, approaching three.

What kind of light does a Schefflera plant need?

Schefflera plants do best in bright, indirect light. They thrive near a southern or eastern window with unobstructed light. They can also do well under full-spectrum lighting that simulates daylight. In medium light, they will grow more slowly, but low light conditions are not ideal.

How often should I fertilize my Schefflera plant?

Fertilize your Schefflera every three to four months with an organic houseplant food. Avoid fertilizing in the winter months; start feeding in early spring and do the last fertilizing in late to mid-fall.

How do I prune my Schefflera plant?

If you want to keep your Schefflera bushy, prune it back to the main stem. Be careful not to prune more than one-third of the plant at a time, as this could shock the plant. Over-pruning may also lead to the need for repotting sooner.

What humidity levels are ideal for a Schefflera plant?

Schefflera plants do well with a minimum of 45% humidity and thrive in higher humidity. They can tolerate lower humidity but will appreciate higher levels.

What pests should I watch out for with my Schefflera plant?

Schefflera plants occasionally attract mealybugs and spider mites. Spider mites are more common in dry conditions. To avoid pest issues, ensure your plant is adequately watered and kept in the right humidity.

What soil is best for repotting a Schefflera plant?

When repotting, use a soil mix that retains some moisture but also drains well. A soil mix with perlite or pumice is ideal, as it promotes drainage and helps prevent root rot.

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