Schefflera
Ivy tree, Umbrella tree
Also known as Brassaia, Dizygotheca
- Height × spread
- 1m – 20m × 1m – 7m
- Position
- Full sun
Availability
Please ask in store about availability
Many plants are seasonal. Call 01234 567890 to check current stock.
About this plant
There are around 580 species of schefflera and they are found growing in tropical regions as well as some temperate zones. They have great appeal as foliage plants since their leaves are a little like those of the horse-chestnut (Aesculus) with a whorl of leaves that radiate from a single point (the botanical description of this is "digitately compound"). Many of them have variegated forms and in some cases young foliage that is coloured red or purple. They have small, rather unexciting flowers generally in shades of white, and may have attractive berry fruits that come in a good range of colours, the most common is purple but there are also forms with yellow, orange, red and white fruits. The fruits are devoured by birds in their native habitats. These plants have traditionally been considered as houseplants. In recent years trials have been undertaken at Crug Farm Plants in Wales to try growing them outside in selected sheltered locations, though the plants are very subject to frost damage.
- Flower colour
- Green
- Foliage colour
- Green, Yellow
- Fruit colour
- Black
- Variegated
- No
- Scent
- No
- Shape
- Bell, Cube, Fan
- Height
- 1m – 20m
- Spread
- 1m – 7m
- Season of interest
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Evergreen
- Evergreen
- Garden style
- Indoors, Exotic garden, Conservatory
- Sun or shade
- Likes full sun, likes part shade, tolerates light shade
- Soil type
- Loam (normal)
- Soil pH
- All types
- Drainage
- Moisture retentive soil, Well drained soil
- Winter hardiness
- Varies, most are not hardy
- Borders & containers
- Borders
- Indoor light
- A light position not direct sun
- Indoor temperature
- genus houseplant temperature varies
- Maintenance
- Easycare – low/no maintenance
- Hazards
- Yes, some poisonous
Spring
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Feed with houseplant food monthly
Give the plant a balanced houseplant feed monthly while in growth.
Where food elements are listed as three numeric values on the label representing in order Nitrogen(N)-Phosphorus(P)-Potassium(K), with percentage values for each, choose one where the values are more or less equal.
Spring-Autumn · Indoors
Water to keep the soil moist
Water moderately from the period when growth starts (around April) until the early autumn (September).
Spring-Autumn · Outdoors
Water in dry periods
Established plants in the ground can cope with 7-10 days of dryness, and shrubs often manage 2 to 3 weeks. Water one section of the garden thoroughly each day rather than a little everywhere. Check plants in pots more often, especially in hot weather.
Summer
Summer - early · Outdoors
Feed a general fertiliser
Where plants have moderate needs for nutrients, they can simply be given a general feed, fairly early in the growth season so that the growth has plenty of time to harden off before the cold weather.
Give plants a general boost with the application of a general purpose fertiliser which is spread around the root area of the plant, with amounts as directed on the feed label.
Winter
Winter-Spring · Indoors
Water lightly in winter
The soil should remain just moist during the cold months when the plant is not in growth. Trickle a little water onto the soil surface every couple of weeks if the soil is dry. Do nothing if it is moist.
The roots remain active in winter and benefit from small amounts of moisture so they don't become completely desiccated.
Planting & general
Compost · Planting
Loam based houseplant compost for repotting
Buy container or house plant compost that is loam based if possible (i.e. is based on John Innes compost number 2 or 3. This contains more fertiliser and is better suited to established plants.
John Innes no. 1 has the lowest level of fertiliser and is used for seedlings and young plants, so is generally used where plants will be 'potted on' after a number of weeks.
Indoor temperature · Planting
Minimum temperatures vary
Plant varieties within this genus have differing requirements for minimum temperature. It is best to look up your specific plant for guidance, and/or check the label.
Indoor plant · Planting
Position in indirect light indoors
Give the plant a position that is cool and light, and away from direct sunshine.
Found in
More Schefflera
Schefflera arboricola 'Gold Capella'
Taiwan umbrella tree, Ivy tree, Schefflera
Schefflera 'Charlotte'
Ivy tree, Umbrella tree
Schefflera actinophylla 'Amate Golden'
Umbrella tree
Schefflera arboricola 'Gerda'
Taiwan umbrella tree, Ivy tree
Schefflera arboricola 'Nora'
Taiwan umbrella tree, Ivy tree, Schefflera
Schefflera elegantissima
False aralia, Petit boux caledonien, Elegant schefflera, Ivy tree
Schefflera macrophylla
Large leaved false aralia, Ivy tree
Schefflera taiwaniana 'Winter Jungle'
Umbrella tree