Umbrella Plant Care | Importance, Propagation, and Growth
Umbrella Plant (Schefflera arboricola) is a popular and beautiful houseplant known for its large, shiny leaves that look like the canopy of an umbrella. The plant’s scientific name is Schefflera arboricola, and it’s also known as the Dwarf Umbrella Plant. Umbrella Plant care is necessary to see the diverse varieties at your home. There are a couple of different types you might see: the Schefflera arboricola, which is the most common, and the Schefflera actinophylla.
Umbrella Plants belong to Araliaceae. These plants are easy to take care of and can grow quite tall—up to 3 meters (about 10 feet) like Weeping Pussy Willow. They are called the Tall indoor Guy. They’re great for brightening up a room and adding a touch of the tropics to your home.
Why to Grow Umbrella Plants?
The Umbrella Plant is more than just a pretty face. It also has some interesting benefits:
- Chinese Medicine: In Chinese medicine, the Umbrella Plant is believed to help with the Liver Meridian, which is important for overall health and wellness.
- Promote Blood Circulation: Some people think that having this plant around can help improve blood circulation. Healthy blood flow is important for keeping your body feeling good.
- Relieve Asthma: The Umbrella Plant is said to help relieve asthma symptoms. While it’s not a substitute for medical treatment, having this plant in your home might help you breathe easier.
Some Facts About Schefflera
Following table shows a list of facts;
| Feature | Description |
|---|---|
| Common Names | Umbrella Plant, Dwarf Umbrella Plant |
| Scientific Name | Schefflera arboricola |
| Family | Araliaceae |
| Native Area | Taiwan and Hainan |
| Height | Fast-growing indoor plant |
| Leaf Description | Glossy leaves with creamy variegation |
| Hardiness Zone | USDA 10-12 |
| Indoor Care | Low maintenance, easy to grow |
| Toxicity | Toxic to cats, dogs, and horses |
| Benefits | Enhances room aesthetics, possible health benefits |
| Diseases and Insects | spider mites, mealy bugs, and scale |
How to Grow and Care?
- Water: Umbrella Plants like their soil to be kept moist, so water them frequently. Make sure the top of the soil is dry before you water again to avoid overwatering. It’s a good idea to check the soil every week to keep it just right.
- Fertilizers: Use a balanced liquid fertilizer to feed your Umbrella Plant. Fertilize it every 1-2 months during the growing season (spring and summer). This will help the plant stay healthy and grow strong.
- Light: Place your Umbrella Plant near a window where it can get bright, indirect light like Kalanchoe plants. It doesn’t like direct sunlight because it can scorch the leaves. A spot with filtered light will make it happy.
- Temperature: Keep the temperature between 65°F to 75°F (18°C to 24°C). This is the perfect range for your Umbrella Plant to thrive. Avoid placing it in drafty areas or near heating or cooling vents.
- Humidity: Umbrella Plants enjoy higher humidity. If your home is dry, you can increase the humidity by misting the leaves or placing a humidifier nearby. This helps keep the plant healthy and its leaves shiny.
How to Propagate Umbrella Tree?
You can grow new Umbrella Plants from cuttings or seeds.
To propagate by cuttings, take a healthy stem with a few leaves and place it in water or soil. For seeds, plant them in a pot with moist soil and keep them warm and humid. Both methods can create new plants, but cuttings are usually faster and easier.
Pruning of the Plant
Pruning your Umbrella Plant helps keep it looking neat and healthy. Trim off any yellow or brown leaves to make the plant look better. You can also cut back long stems to encourage bushier growth. Pruning helps the plant stay strong and can prevent diseases.
Types of Umbrella Plants
There are two main types of Umbrella Plants:
- The Schefflera arboricola, also known as the Dwarf Umbrella Plant, is smaller and more compact.
- The Schefflera actinophylla, or the Big Umbrella Plant, grows much taller and has larger leaves.
Both types are great for indoors and add a lot of style to your home.
Pests and Diseases
Umbrellas can sometimes get pests like spider mites, mealy bugs, and scale insects. These pests can make the leaves look unhealthy or cause damage. If you notice any bugs, treat them right away with insecticidal soap or by wiping the leaves with a damp cloth. Keeping your plant clean and checking it regularly can help prevent pests and diseases.
FAQs
I’m Dr Qaiser Maqsood (PhD), a dedicated researcher and expert in Biological Sciences, Gardening, Bio-Diversity, Ecology, and Environmental Sciences. I’m much concerned about Environmental Pollution, Climate Change, Plantation, Gardening, and Global Warming. My passion is to explore innovative solutions in all these fields.
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