What is a schefflera?
Schefflera (Schefflera arboricola), commonly called the dwarf umbrella tree or umbrella plant, is a fast-growing tropical shrub from Taiwan in the ivy family Araliaceae. Indoors it forms a multi-stemmed bush or small tree of glossy, palm-like compound leaves — each with 7–9 elliptical leaflets fanning out like the spokes of an umbrella. It’s been a mainstay of offices and lobbies for decades precisely because it grows quickly, tolerates a range of light conditions, and only really objects when you ignore it for too long.
How much light does a schefflera need?
Schefflera does best in bright, indirect light — near an east- or west-facing window, or slightly pulled back from a south-facing one with some filtering. It manages well in medium light but starts to stretch and drop leaves in true low light. Avoid prolonged direct afternoon sun, which scorches the leaflets. If you’re moving a plant from a garden centre into a dimmer room, expect some adjustment leaf drop; give it a few weeks before worrying.
How often should you water a schefflera?
Water every 7–10 days in spring and summer, letting the top inch or two of soil dry out between sessions. Cut back to every two weeks in winter. Schefflera is far more tolerant of underwatering than overwatering — root rot from consistently soggy soil is the number-one cause of death for this plant. When in doubt, wait another day.
Why is my schefflera dropping leaves?
Leaf drop is schefflera’s stress signal, and the trigger is almost always a sudden change in conditions — a move to a darker spot, a cold draught near a window or door, inconsistent watering (alternating bone-dry and waterlogged), or a chill below 55°F. Identify what changed and stabilise it. Once conditions are steady, new leaves emerge quickly — this plant recovers well.
How do you keep a schefflera bushy rather than leggy?
Two things: light and pruning. Adequate bright indirect light keeps internodes short and leaflets dense. When stems do get leggy, prune them back by a third with clean scissors; the plant pushes multiple new shoots below each cut, creating a fuller canopy over time. Rotate the pot every few weeks so all sides get even light exposure.
Is schefflera toxic to pets?
Yes — the ASPCA lists schefflera as toxic to cats and dogs. The plant contains insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which cause intense oral irritation, burning of the mouth, lips, and tongue, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if chewed or ingested. Keep it on a high shelf or in a room pets cannot access.