Also known as Umbrella Tree · 13 saves
Schefflera
Schefflera, the genus most gardeners know as umbrella tree. We track 3 varieties; the ones most used by real gardeners.
The 3 most-saved Schefflera varieties
Species of Schefflera
Each one is a parent of the varieties above.
Track your Schefflera in Sow
Save the Schefflera you grow and get care reminders timed to your zone.
How to grow Schefflera
Whats common across all Schefflera varieties in our catalog — drawn from the care records of the 3 most-grown of them.
The Schefflera year
- PruneFebruary100% of varieties
Prune to shape as growth resumes, cutting back leggy stems.
- FertilizeMarch67% of varieties
Apply a balanced slow-release fertilizer in early spring.
Do
- Give it bright indirect light 🪟
- Let the compost surface dry between waterings 💧
- Prune in spring to keep it bushy ✂️
- Remove yellow leaves promptly 🍂
- Water regularly to keep soil moist 🌱
Avoid
- Leave it standing in water ❌
- Let the rootball dry out completely ❌
- Grow it where pets chew houseplants ❌
- Avoid direct afternoon sun ❌
What goes wrong with Schefflera
| Problem | What you'll see | What to do |
|---|---|---|
| Spider mites | Fine webbing and stippled leaves in dry indoor air | Raise humidity and wash the leaves, both sides, regularly |
| Mealybugs | White cottony masses where the leaflets join the stalk | Dab off with an alcohol-moistened swab and isolate the plant |
| Scale insects | Sticky residue and yellowing leaves | Apply insecticidal soap or neem oil |
| Spider Mites | Fine webbing on the plant, stippled or yellowing leaves, tiny moving dots. | Wipe leaves with a damp cloth. Spray with insecticidal soap or neem oil, focusing on leaf undersides. |
| Root rot | Yellowing leaves and general collapse in soggy compost | Repot into free-draining compost and water less often |
| Root Rot | Wilting, yellowing leaves, mushy stems at the base, caused by overwatering. | Allow soil to dry out. Repot into fresh, well-draining soil, trimming away any black, mushy roots. Water less frequently. |
| Bacterial Leaf Spot | Dark, water-soaked spots on leaves, often with a yellow halo. | Remove and destroy affected leaves. Avoid overhead watering and improve air circulation. Apply a copper-based bactericide. |
Making more Schefflera
Stem cuttings
- Take a shoot tip with several leaves in spring or summer.
- Root in free-draining compost with gentle bottom heat.
- Pot on once new growth appears.
Cuttings
- Select healthy stem with 2-3 leaves
- Cut just below a node with clean scissors
- Dip in rooting hormone powder
- Plant in moist potting mix
- Keep in warm, humid environment for 6 weeks
Schefflera questions
How many types of Schefflera are there?
The Sow catalog tracks 3 distinct Schefflera varieties. The most popular — ranked by 13 real gardeners — are shown first above.
What zones does Schefflera grow in?
Across its varieties, Schefflera covers USDA Zones 7–10. Individual varieties differ — each plant page lists its exact range, and Sow filters the catalog to your zone automatically.
When does Schefflera bloom?
Most Schefflera varieties bloom in late summer, mid-summer, rarely flowers in cultivation. Staggering early, mid, and late varieties extends the genus's season in one bed.
Which Schefflera should I choose?
Start from the most-saved varieties above — popularity across thousands of gardens is a strong signal of reliability — then filter by your zone and sun. In the Sow app you can preview any of them in a photo of your actual yard before you buy.