Umbrella Tree Plant Care

Umbrella Tree (Schefflera polybotrya) belongs to the Araliaceae family within the Schefflera genus. Umbrella Tree is native to Java and southern Sulawesi.

Umbrella Tree displays a tall, upright tree or shrub growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Umbrella Tree produces small, inconspicuous flowers in umbrella-shaped clusters.

Leaf size: approximately 8 inches.

Water a young or newly planted Umbrella Tree every 7–14 days, soaking the whole root zone, until it is established — usually one to two growing seasons. Established trees mainly need water during long dry spells. In a container, water whenever the top few centimetres of soil are dry.

Umbrella Tree thrives in bright indirect light. Avoid placing Umbrella Tree in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.

Schefflera polybotrya tolerates temperatures of 60–80°F. Umbrella Tree prefers humidity levels of 50–70%. A pebble tray or humidifier helps maintain adequate moisture around the plant.

Well-draining, fertile soil with added perlite for aeration. Good drainage is essential for Umbrella Tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.

Feed Umbrella Tree every 6 months during the growing season with a balanced, slow-release fertilizer at the rate on the label. Established trees in good soil often need little extra feeding, so let weak growth or pale foliage guide you.

Stop feeding by late summer so new growth can harden before winter.

The PlantoScan app can remind you when to water and when to fertilize each plant.

Choose a spot with bright indirect light and well-draining, fertile soil with added perlite for aeration. Avoid low spots where water collects after rain.

Umbrella Tree is suited to USDA Zone 13a.

Plant container-grown or balled-and-burlapped trees in spring or early autumn, setting the root flare at soil level, and water well after planting.

Umbrella Tree can spread to about 4 ft (1.2 m) and reach about 6 ft (2 m) tall. Space plants about 4 ft (1.2 m) apart so mature crowns don't crowd each other, and plant at least half that distance from buildings, fences and paths.

Planning a row or hedge? Try the tree spacing calculator.

Prune Umbrella Tree while it is dormant in late winter: first remove dead, damaged and crossing branches, then thin lightly for shape.

If it flowers in spring, prune right after flowering instead so you don't remove next year's buds. Never take off more than about a quarter of the tree in one year.

Umbrella Tree is frost-tender (hardy to USDA zone 13). In colder areas grow it in a container and move it to a bright, frost-free place before the first frost.

Umbrella Tree can be propagated through stem cuttings, air layering. Similar propagation techniques also apply to umbrella plant plant care, which shares the same genus.

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Umbrella Tree is susceptible to spider mites, aphids, mealybugs. 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.

Umbrella Tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 13a. It survives winters down to planting zone 13a. Umbrella Tree is native to Java and southern Sulawesi. In cooler regions, grow Umbrella Tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.