Heptapleurum actinophyllum
Schefflera actinophylla (Australian Umbrella Tree) Care Guide
Featured photoschefflera-actinophylla.jpgSchefflera actinophylla, now formally Heptapleurum actinophyllum, is the Australian umbrella tree — a large, dramatic indoor tree with palmate leaves of up to sixteen leaflets arranged in umbrella formation. It is the larger cousin of the dwarf umbrella tree (S. arboricola) and reaches 2 metres or more indoors. It tolerates ordinary indoor conditions but needs space to display its full leaf form.
Care facts at a glance
- Light
- Bright indirect
- Water
- Water when the top 2 to 3 cm of mix has dried.
- Humidity
- 40–60 %
- Temperature
- 15–27 °C
- Soil
- Well-draining houseplant mix with extra perlite.
- Toxicity
- Mildly toxic. Calcium oxalate sap can irritate skin and mouth. (humans) · Toxic to cats and dogs per ASPCA Schefflera listing. (pets)
- Origin
- Tropical northern Australia, New Guinea, and Java.
- Mature size
- 1.5 to 2.5 metres tall indoors.
Overview
Schefflera actinophylla was reclassified into Heptapleurum in the 2010s. In tropical Australia it is a large outdoor tree; indoors it is one of the more substantial floor specimens for big rooms.
Care Priorities
- Bright filtered light keeps growth dense.
- Allow the top of the mix to dry between waterings.
- Pinch back leggy tops to encourage branching.
- Wipe the leathery leaves regularly; dust matters.
Common Problems
Yellow lower leaves are overwatering or normal turnover. Long bare stems with leaves only at the top are leggy growth from low light. Sticky honeydew is often scale or aphid presence.
Sources & further reading (3)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-04-28
- botanical-garden — accessed 2026-04-28
- toxicity-database — accessed 2026-04-28
Frequently asked questions
Actinophylla vs arboricola?
Different species. Actinophylla is the larger Australian umbrella tree with up to 16 leaflets per leaf; arboricola is the dwarf umbrella tree with 7 leaflets.
Why are leaves dropping?
Sudden leaf drop is usually a stress reaction to a move, repotting, or temperature swing. Stable conditions and the plant typically recovers.
Can I prune the top?
Yes — schefflera responds well to pruning. Cut the leader and the plant typically branches from below the cut. Best in spring.
