Bernieh's Garden
Schefflera arboricola - Dwarf umbrella tree
Genus: Schefflera.
Species: Schefflera arboricola.
Common name: Variegated dwarf umbrella tree
Botannical name: Schefflera arboricola Renate or Samoan Snow
Family:Araliaceae
The Dwarf Umbrella Tree is a beautiful foliage plant to use inside the home. It’s very popular because it’s not an overly picky plant that can tolerate some neglect and a variety of home conditions.
The tree has long oval shaped leaves with pointy tips that grow on delicate stems. Each stem tip has five to nine shiny leaves that are arranged in a circular, or umbrella shape.
The Umbrella Tree comes in both green and a variegated variety. The solid variety is a dark, lush green color. The variegated variety has green leaves that are mingled with yellow or creamy white.
While the dwarf variety generally only reaches around 4-5 feet tall, excellent growing conditions can produce a taller tree. Pruning and trimming can keep the tree at the size and shape you prefer.
The flowers appear as long, red spikes from the top of the plant during the summer. Round orange berries appear after the flowers and will turn black as they age. However, it seldom flowers in the home.
The tree prefers to have bright, indirect light. Hot, direct sunlight can cause the leaves to burn. Umbrella Trees are very drought tolerant and can withstand some neglect when it comes to watering. The soil should not be kept too wet and the pot should have good drainage. Water the plant when the soil is almost dry or you notice slight wilting of the leaves.
