Schefflera actinophylla leaves with 6 leaflets
Umbrella tree in pot
Schefflera actinophylla in the wild
Schefflera actinophylla in bloom
Contents
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
Schefflera actinophylla, the metamorphosis tree
Contents
Find all our tips in the Monstera application
Schefflera actinophylla is constantly evolving throughout its life. Initially epiphytic, this Araliaceae then becomes an independent shrub. Indoors, it's difficult to witness this metamorphosis. But you can observe the evolution of its trunk and foliage.
How to recognize Schefflera actinophylla, the umbrella tree?
In the wild, young Schefflera actinophylla grow like epiphytes, clinging to taller trees. They detach from their host and become terrestrial when they reach maturity. At the end of their growth, some specimens reach a height of fifteen meters. In your home, the umbrella tree needs no support and quickly reaches two meters in height.
Schefflera actinophylla is an upright shrub. Its trunk is thin and green for the first few years, then woody and brown. The umbrella tree can develop several stems. That's why florists and garden centers sell specimens with braided trunks.
Long petioles grow from the stem. They support the palmate leaves. These have three leaflets when the shrub is young, and five to seven in adulthood. In the wild, an umbrella tree leaf can have up to 60 leaflets and be 60 centimetres long.
The leaflets have a varnished appearance. Oblong and narrow, they are pointed at the apex, unlike Schefflera arboricola. The foliage of the botanical variety is a bright, plain green. But the species has spawned hybrid varieties. Shefflera actinophylla variegata has white leaves, the Dalton variety has variegated green and yellow blades, and Shefflera actinophylla Amate stands out for its highly lustrous foliage.
But none of these varieties blooms indoors. In the wild, on the other hand, the umbrella tree is adorned with a thousand red flowers in panicles, followed by fruit. The red berries contain seeds which, spread by insects, birds and bats, give rise to new shrubs.
Some scientists claim that Schefflera actinophilla has pollution-removing properties. While this property has not been proven, it is certain that the sap of the umbrella tree is irritating. It causes redness and itching when it comes into contact with the skin. The plant is also toxic if ingested. Keep it out of the reach of small children and pets.
Our maintenance tips
Schefflera actinophylla are easy-care plants. They won't mind if you forget them for a few weeks. On the other hand, they don't forgive over-watering.
Watering
Water your plant when the surface of the substrate is dry to the extent of three centimeters.
Use non-calcareous water at room temperature, such as rainwater or filtered mains water.
After watering, drain off any water that collects in the saucer or planter. It can rot the roots.
Spray
In its natural environment, schefflera actinophylla benefits from a high level of humidity. To reproduce its environment, mist the foliage with non-calcareous water at room temperature. Regular spraying also combats pest attacks.
Repotting
Every spring, repot your Heptapleurum actinophyllum to give it more space.
Schefflera actinophylla have shallow roots. Get a pot with holes wider than it is tall. You can cover the holes with drainage felt to prevent the soil from clogging them. You can also line the bottom of the pot with clay balls.
Soak the root ball of your Schefflera actinophylla. Once the bubbles have disappeared, remove the plant from the water.
Prepare a mixture containing equal parts: heather soil, sand and garden soil (or potting soil for green plants). Pour on a layer of substrate. Then plant your plant. The root ball should be a few centimetres below the edge of the pot, to leave a watering trough. Add more substrate until you've reached the surface of the rootball.
Press down and water generously.
Fertilization
To promote the growth of your Heptapleurum actinophyllum, apply fertilizer in spring and summer.
Add green plant fertilizer to the watering water in the doses prescribed by the manufacturer.
Cleaning
Wipe foliage with a clean, damp cloth to remove dust and prevent pest invasion.
Prune
Cut stems that have become too long just above a leaf.
To avoid the appearance of disease or pests, always use a clean, sharp instrument (pruning shears or scissors, for example).
To avoid the appearance of disease or pests, always use a clean, sharp instrument (pruning shears or scissors, for example).
Pinch
Pinch your Heptapleurum actinophyllum during its growing season.
Pinching the main stem stimulates branching and helps densify foliage. Pinch where you want new leaves to grow.
Cutting
Cutting is carried out during the strong growth phase, generally in spring and early summer.
Take a portion of stem with three or four nodes. Remove the leaves at the base.
Cut your cutting with a clean, sharp tool, such as secateurs or scissors.
Fill a pot with potting soil for seedlings and cuttings. Before planting your cuttings, water the substrate by capillary action to keep it moist.
Plant your cuttings in the center and press down. You can place several stems in the same pot. Once they've grown to 20 cm, you can braid them.
Cover with a translucent lid (a bell jar or cut-out water bottle, for example). To improve humidity, you can place your pot on a dish filled with moist clay balls.
Diseases / Threats
Information
| Family | Araliaceae - Araliaceae |
| Type | Heptapleurum - Heptapleurum |
| Species | Heptapleurum actinophyllum - Heptapleurum actinophyllum |
| Lifecycle | Perennial |
| Foliage | Evergreen |
| Exposures | |
| Substrat | |
| Planting methods |
In pots In tubs |
| Categories | |
| Tags |
Beginner Toxic |
| Origins |
Southeast Asia Oceania |
| Hardiness (USDA) | 10a |
| Leaf color |
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| Flower color |
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| Fruit color |
|
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