Schefflera arboricola aka Dwarf Umbrella Tree

Taxonomy

Common names

Dwarf Umbrella Tree, Hawaiian Elf

How to care for Dwarf Umbrella Tree

Difficulty

Dwarf Umbrella Tree is a low-maintenance plant that requires minimal attention, making it an excellent choice for beginners.

Water

Dwarf Umbrella Tree should be watered regularly, allowing the soil to dry out between waterings.

Soil

Dwarf Umbrella Tree loves a well-draining soil. Perlite and vermiculite help with drainage, while coco coir adds organic matter, so a good potting soil mix will have all three. You can improve store-bought soil by adding some perlite to it.

Lighting

To ensure optimal growth, the Dwarf Umbrella Tree prefers bright diffused light for 6-8 hours each day. Insufficient light can result in slow growth and leaf drop, so it's important to find a well-lit location for this plant. Place it near a window, within a distance of 1 meter (3 feet), to enhance its potential for thriving.

Dormancy

During the cold period, it is common for Dwarf Umbrella Tree to go dormant and their growth may slow down, so waterings should be spaced out more during this period.

Toxicity

Ploi does not possess verified information regarding the toxicity of this particular plant. In the event that you, a member of your family, or a pet ingests plant material with an unclear toxicity level, it is highly recommended to seek the advice of a medical professional.

Humidity

The Dwarf Umbrella Tree does not necessitate supplementary humidity. Plants primarily absorb water through their roots, rather than their leaves. Hence, the most effective way to supply humidity to your plants is by watering the soil.

Fertilizer

The Dwarf Umbrella Tree should be transferred to a new pot once it has increased in size two-fold, or on an annual basis, whichever occurs earlier. Replacing the soil with fresh potting soil containing all the necessary nutrients, is sufficient enough to support the growth of the plant, thus avoiding the need to use fertilizer. It's important to note that plants derive their energy from the sun and not fertilizer.

Region of origin

Dwarf Umbrella Tree’s native range is Southwest Pacific.


More info:
Wikipedia