Photo: no rights reservedCC0 1.0via iNaturalist
Dwarf umbrella tree Plant Care
Ugena microphylla Cav.
Updated · Sources · How we source care data
This plant's small, delicate leaves in shades of green and purple make it stand out in any collection. Originating from the tropical regions of Asia, Ugena microphylla is highly sought after by plant collectors for its unique foliage and compact growth habit.
Every 7–14 days
Bright indirect to low light
65–80°F
40–60%
At a glance
How do you care for Dwarf umbrella tree?
Water Dwarf umbrella tree every 7–14 days, letting the top layer of soil dry out between waterings, and give it bright indirect to low light. It prefers temperatures of 65–80°F (18–27°C) and 40–60% humidity. Fertilize it every month during the growing season.
Where Is the Dwarf umbrella tree Native To?
- Angola
- Australia
- Benin
- Brunei
- Burkina Faso
- Burundi
- Cambodia
- Cameroon
- Cape Verde
- Central African Republic
- Chad
- Côte d'Ivoire
- Djibouti
- DR Congo
- Equatorial Guinea
- Eritrea
- Ethiopia
- Fiji
- Gabon
- Ghana
- Guinea
- Guinea-Bissau
- Indonesia
- Kenya
- Laos
- Liberia
- Malawi
- Malaysia
- Mali
- Mauritania
- Mozambique
- Myanmar
- New Caledonia
- Niger
- Nigeria
- Papua New Guinea
- Philippines
- Republic of the Congo
- Rwanda
- Sao Tome and Principe
- Senegal
- Sierra Leone
- Singapore
- Solomon Islands
- Somalia
- South Sudan
- Sudan
- Tanzania
- Thailand
- The Gambia
- Timor-Leste
- Togo
- Uganda
- Vanuatu
- Vietnam
- Zambia
- Zimbabwe
What Is the Dwarf umbrella tree?
Dwarf umbrella tree (Ugena microphylla) belongs to the Schizaeaceae family within the Ugena genus. Dwarf umbrella tree is native to tropical Africa, Southeast Asia, Melanesia and Australia. Dwarf umbrella tree is also known as Schefflera arboricola.
Dwarf umbrella tree displays a low rosette, spreading growth habit, reaching up to 6 ft tall with a spread of approximately 4 ft. Dwarf umbrella tree produces non-flowering.
Leaf size: approximately 2 inches.
How Often Should You Water a Dwarf umbrella tree?
Ugena microphylla 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 tree Need?
Dwarf umbrella tree thrives in bright indirect to low light. Avoid placing Dwarf umbrella tree in direct, harsh sunlight for extended periods, as this can scorch the foliage.
Light Requirement
Bright indirect to low light
What Temperature and Humidity Does the Dwarf umbrella tree Prefer?
Ugena microphylla grows best at temperatures of 65–80°F. Dwarf umbrella tree prefers humidity levels of 40–60%.
Temperature
65–80°F
Humidity
40–60%
What Soil Mix Works Best for a Dwarf umbrella tree?
Moist, well-draining peat-based soil mix. Good drainage is essential for Dwarf umbrella tree to prevent waterlogging, which leads to root rot and fungal issues.
How Often Should You Fertilize a Dwarf umbrella tree?
Feed Dwarf umbrella tree 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 tree?
Repot every 1-2 years in 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 tree?
Dwarf umbrella tree can be propagated through spores.
Is the Dwarf umbrella tree Toxic to Pets and Children?
Pet safety not verified
The ASPCA does not list Dwarf umbrella tree, 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 tree?
Dwarf umbrella tree is susceptible to spider mites, scale insects. 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 tree Need?
Dwarf umbrella tree grows outdoors in USDA Zone 10a – 12b. It survives winters down to planting zone 10a. Dwarf umbrella tree is native to tropical Africa, Southeast Asia, Melanesia and Australia. In cooler regions, grow Dwarf umbrella tree as a houseplant or bring it indoors before the first frost.
Hardiness Zone
Zone 10a – 12b
Keep exploring plants
Dwarf umbrella tree 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 Ugena genus (family Schizaeaceae) — search all Ugena species in the plant lookup.
Dwarf umbrella tree copes with lower light than most plants — browse the full list of low-light plants.
Related Plant Care Guides
Closely related plants with similar care requirements:
Sources
- Scientific name & taxonomy: Ugena microphylla Cav., family Schizaeaceae (first published in Icon. 6: 76 (1801)) — World Flora Online record, IPNI name record.
- Pet toxicity: Pet safety not verified: the ASPCA does not list Dwarf umbrella tree, 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.
- Photo: Public domain, CC0 1.0, iNaturalist — original.
- Hardiness zone: USDA Zone 10a – 12b, 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.
Identify Plants Like the
Dwarf umbrella tree Instantly
Scan any plant with your phone camera and get instant ID, care tips, water and fertilizer reminders, and health checks — all in one app.
Free
to download
iOS & Android
platforms
Light & dark
mode
100,000+
species