Umbrella Plant

Plant Type: shrub
Plant Height: 4-15 feet
Spread: 3-8 feet
Flower Color: 
Sun Exposure: Full Sun, Partial Shade

Description:

The Umbrella Plant, scientifically known as Schefflera arboricola, is a popular houseplant and landscape plant known for its attractive foliage and ease of care. Native to Taiwan and Hainan, this plant belongs to the Araliaceae family and is appreciated for its glossy, palmate leaves that radiate from a central point, resembling an umbrella, hence the name.

When grown indoors, the Umbrella Plant typically reaches about 4 to 15 feet tall, making it a suitable choice for adding greenery to living spaces, offices, and other indoor settings. Outdoors, in tropical or subtropical climates where it can be planted in the ground, it can achieve greater heights. The plant produces clusters of small, greenish-white flowers, but these are rarely seen on indoor plants.

Variegated varieties of Schefflera arboricola, featuring leaves with cream or gold splashes, are also popular for their decorative appeal. These plants prefer bright, indirect light when grown indoors and can tolerate some direct sun in the morning or late afternoon. Outdoors, they thrive in partial shade, protected from the intense midday sun.

The Umbrella Plant prefers well-draining soil and should be watered regularly, allowing the top inch of soil to dry out between waterings. Overwatering or poor drainage can lead to root rot, so it's essential to ensure adequate drainage. This plant can be pruned to maintain a desired shape and size, making it versatile for various landscape uses or as a potted plant.

In landscaping, Schefflera arboricola is used as a specimen plant, in mixed borders, or as part of tropical-themed gardens. Its lush foliage provides a vibrant green backdrop or accent in garden designs, and when grown in containers, it can be placed on patios, decks, or balconies to add a touch of nature to outdoor living areas.

Overall, the Umbrella Plant is a versatile and attractive option for gardeners and indoor plant enthusiasts looking for a low-maintenance plant that offers visual interest and adaptability to a range of growing conditions.

Three Timbers Installation Guide (Feel Free to Follow): Umbrella Plant

Planting Guide:

• Location: Full sun to partial shade (at least 4-6 hours of direct sunlight for optimal growth)
• Soil: Well-drained, loamy or sandy soil (slightly acidic to neutral soil preferred)
• Spacing: Space plants 3-4 feet apart to allow for their bushy growth and optimal air circulation
• Planting Depth: Plant at the same depth as the root ball, ensuring the top of the root ball is level with the surrounding soil surface
• Support: Umbrella Plant is a self-supporting shrub with large, umbrella-shaped leaves that grow upright and requires no staking

Watering Guide:

Watering After Planting:

• Initial Watering: Water thoroughly immediately after planting to saturate the root ball and surrounding soil
• Frequency: Water every 4-5 days for the first 2-3 weeks to help establish the root system
• Watering Amount: Provide 2-3 inches of water per session for deep watering

When is the Plant Established?

• Timeframe: Umbrella Plant is considered established after 3-4 months when the roots have spread into the surrounding soil

Watering Once Established:

• Summer: Water every 7-10 days during the hotter months. If temperatures exceed 100°F, increase watering to every 5-7 days. Provide 2-3 inches of water per session.
• Winter: Water every 3-4 weeks during the cooler months, depending on rainfall.

Drip Irrigation Setup:

• Placement of Emitters: Place the drip emitters 12-18 inches away from the base of the plant for deep watering
• Flow Rate: Use emitters with a flow rate of 1-2 gallons per hour
• Number of Emitters: 1 emitter per plant for even watering distribution
• Adjusting Frequency: In summer, increase watering frequency to every 5-7 days. In winter, reduce to every 3-4 weeks