Dwarf umbrella plant Plant Care
Hemicrambe fruticosa (C.C.Towns.) Gómez-Campo
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant is known for its striking silver-gray leaves that have a velvety texture. Originating from the Mediterranean region, Hemicrambe fruticosa is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and ability to thrive in warm, dry climates. Its drought tolerance and low maintenance make it a popular choice for gardens and landscapes.
Every 7–14 days
Full sun to partial shade
65–80°F
50–70%
At a glance
How do you care for Dwarf umbrella plant?
Water Dwarf umbrella plant every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it full sun to partial shade. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 50–70% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Dwarf umbrella plant Native To?
What Is the Dwarf umbrella plant?
Dwarf umbrella plant (Hemicrambe fruticosa) belongs to the Brassicaceae family within the Hemicrambe genus. Dwarf umbrella plant is native to the Hajhir Mountains on Socotra island in Yemen. Dwarf umbrella plant is also known as Schefflera arboricola.
Dwarf umbrella plant displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Dwarf umbrella plant produces small white flowers in clusters.
How Often Should You Water a Dwarf umbrella plant?
Hemicrambe fruticosa requires watering every 7–14 days. Allow the top layer of soil to dry between waterings to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency during winter when growth slows.
Watering Frequency
Every 7–14 days
Let soil partially dry between waterings
What Light Does the Dwarf umbrella plant Need?
Dwarf umbrella plant thrives in full sun to partial shade.
Light Requirement
Full sun to partial shade
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dwarf umbrella plant Prefer?
Hemicrambe fruticosa grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Dwarf umbrella plant prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
50–70%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dwarf umbrella plant?
Well-draining loamy soil with added compost for nutrients. Good drainage is essential for Dwarf umbrella plant to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Dwarf umbrella plant?
Feed Dwarf umbrella plant every month during the growing season (spring and summer) with a balanced fertilizer diluted to the strength on the label.
Pause feeding in autumn and winter, when growth slows, and never fertilize dry soil — water first.
Fertilizing
Every month
During the growing season
The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.
How Do You Repot a Dwarf umbrella plant?
Repot every 1-2 years in early spring. Choose a pot one size larger than the current container, and ensure it has drainage holes to allow excess water to escape.
How Do You Propagate a Dwarf umbrella plant?
Dwarf umbrella plant can be propagated through seeds, division of offsets. Similar propagation techniques also apply to hemicrambe socotrana plant care, which shares the same genus.
Is the Dwarf umbrella plant Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Dwarf umbrella plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Keep pets from chewing it as a precaution.
This is a general caution, not veterinary or medical advice. If your pet ate a plant, contact your vet or animal poison control.
See all plants toxic to cats and plants toxic to dogs.
What Pests and Diseases Affect the Dwarf umbrella plant?
Dwarf umbrella plant is susceptible to aphids, cabbage worms, flea beetles. Inspect the foliage regularly, especially along leaf undersides and stems. Treat infestations promptly with insecticidal soap or neem oil to prevent spread.
Yellow leaves, brown tips or drooping? See common plant problems and how to fix them.
What USDA Hardiness Zone Does the Dwarf umbrella plant Need?
Dwarf umbrella plant grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10b – 11b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10b. Dwarf umbrella plant is native to the Hajhir Mountains on Socotra island in Yemen. In cooler regions, grow Dwarf umbrella plant as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10b – 11b
Keep exploring plants
Dwarf umbrella plant is one of many species covered in the complete plant care and identification guide, which groups plants by genus, attribute, and popularity.
It belongs to the Hemicrambe genus — compare its care with other Hemicrambe species on PlantoScan.
Hemicrambe is part of the Brassicaceae plant family — browse all Brassicaceae genera and species.
Dwarf umbrella plant thrives in bright light and direct sun — see other bright-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Hemicrambe fruticosa (C.C.Towns.) Gómez-Campo, family Brassicaceae (first published in Lagascalia 7: 189 (1977 publ. 1978)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dwarf umbrella plant, so we can't confirm whether it is safe for cats and dogs. Checked against the ASPCA plant list; any other toxicity note on this page comes from PlantoScan's plant database.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10b – 11b, estimated from the plant's typical growing conditions.
- Care values(watering, light, temperature, humidity, soil, fertilizing): PlantoScan's plant database, filtered by automatic plausibility checks — values that fail them are hidden. How we source and check plant data.
Spotted a mistake? Email info@upvision.media with the page link — we check and correct reported errors.
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