How to care for Umbrella Tree
Schefflera actinophylla · Araliaceae
A fast, imposing tree whose long-stalked leaflets radiate like umbrella ribs, easily reaching ceiling height indoors. It is vigorous and tolerant, asking mainly for good light, moderate water, and a periodic check for pests. Water roughly every 8 days while it's growing (about every 14 in winter), give it bright, indirect light, kept above 55°F (13°C) — average room humidity suits it.
Care at a glance
Water when the top few centimeters are dry; it recovers from missed waterings far better than from constant wetness.
Bright indirect light grows it dense; in medium light it stretches but survives.
Balanced fertilizer at half strength monthly during active growth.
Mistakes that kill this plant
- Consistently soggy soil rotting the roots.
- Letting a spider-mite infestation defoliate it over winter.
- Cold exposure below about 10 C.
Seasonal tips
- Prune the top hard in spring if it hits the ceiling — it resprouts lower down without complaint.
- Shower the foliage every month or two to knock down dust and mites.
- Slow watering right down over winter.
Is it safe for pets?
We have Umbrella Tree recorded as toxic to cats and dogs.
Full pet-safety details for cats & dogsCare for your Umbrella Tree on autopilot
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Toxicity here is informational, not a safety guarantee. Those are our own records, compiled by following the ASPCA's published toxic and non-toxic plant lists and Pet Poison Helpline's plant poison list rather than copied from them — confirm anything that matters against the ASPCA's published lists, which this one is matched to, or with your vet. If your pet ingested this plant, contact your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.