Schefflera arboricola
Schefflera arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree) Care Guide
Featured photoschefflera-arboricola.jpgSchefflera arboricola is the dwarf umbrella tree, a Taiwanese shrub grown indoors as a slim woody plant with seven-leaflet palmate leaves arranged like umbrella spokes. It is one of the most tolerant tropical houseplants — handling low light, irregular watering, and most indoor conditions — and a popular bonsai subject for its fast woody growth.
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
- Taiwan and Hainan.
- Mature size
- 1 to 2 metres tall indoors.
Overview
Schefflera arboricola is the smaller of the two common schefflera houseplants — Schefflera actinophylla is the larger umbrella tree. Many cultivars exist with variegated cream or yellow leaflets.
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 leaves regularly; dust matters.
Common Problems
Yellow lower leaves are overwatering. Long bare stems with leaves only at the tops are leggy growth from low light. Sticky residue on leaves is often aphid or scale honeydew.
Sources & further reading (3)
- encyclopedia — accessed 2026-04-28
- botanical-garden — accessed 2026-04-28
- toxicity-database — accessed 2026-04-28
Frequently asked questions
Arboricola vs actinophylla — same plant?
Different species. Arboricola is the dwarf umbrella tree with seven leaflets; actinophylla is the larger umbrella tree with up to 16 leaflets.
Can I use it as a bonsai?
Yes — arboricola is one of the most popular tropical bonsai subjects because of its fast woody growth and tolerance of severe pruning.
Why is my schefflera dropping leaves?
Sudden leaf drop is usually a stress reaction to a move, repotting, or watering swing. Stable conditions and the plant typically recovers within weeks.
