Plant Overview

• The umbrella plant is native to rain forests in Australia and New Guinea. Hardy only in tropical zones, the umbrella tree is most prized for its use as an indoor plant in homes and commercial buildings. It requires little care and rewards its owners with lush, evergreen leaves that radiate outward in an umbrella-like shape.
  
  

Schefflera Actinophylla "Umbrella Tree"

• Schefflera actinophylla is considered the "old-time" umbrella plant. It's larger than its dwarf cousin, Schefflera arboricola. The "Amate" variety is popular among interior landscapers who value its low-maintenance, resistance to pests and disease, plus its lush green foliage that can make a big impression in any space. The tree grows to 15 feet tall and 6 feet wide. The plant produces red flowers in its native tropics, but rarely flowers indoors.
  
  

Schefflera Arboricola "Dwarf Umbrella Tree"

• The popular Schefflera arboricola "Dwarf Umbrella Tree" is a tree-like plant with leaves that fan out like an umbrella. Formerly known as Heptapleurum arboricola, you also may find this plant called an Australian umbrella tree or Hawaiian Schefflera. Despite its name, this plant can grow 15 to 20 feet tall in the wild. It maintains a much smaller profile when grown indoors, only reaching about 8 to 10 feet. The dwarf umbrella tree is an excellent plant for neglectful gardeners. It requires very little water; over-watering is one of the few mistakes that can actually hurt the plant. The Schefflera arboricola performs best in a bright space that receives several hours of sunlight each day. With very little attention, this plant will flourish in an indoor pot for many years.
  
  

Umbrella Tree Varieties

• Although the "Amate" is the only commonly grown large umbrella plant today, the dwarf umbrella plant has been cultivated into many varieties. "Arboricola" refers to the traditional green plant. "Renate" is also green, but features ripples in its leaves. Variegated yellow or gold and green leaves are the standout features of "Gold Capella." "Trinette" produces variegated cream and green leaves, while "Dazzle" is another variegated type, with some leaves approaching an almost-solid creamy white.