Dwarf Umbrella Tree (Heptapleurum arboricola)

How much light does a Dwarf Umbrella Tree need?

Indoors, this plant does best in bright, indirect light. NC State describes a southern, western or eastern exposure with filtered light. It also tolerates medium light and low light. Clemson says scheffleras prefer medium to bright light.

Outdoors, it can take part shade, full shade or full sun, with part shade preferred. As a houseplant, bright, direct light will burn the leaves.

• Light: Bright, indirect light; tolerates medium light and low light^1,2

How often to water a Dwarf Umbrella Tree

Water the plant thoroughly, then let the soil dry to ½ inch (1.3 cm) deep before you water again. The recorded water range for this plant runs from dry to medium.

Soil for this plant is described as well drained and moist. NC State describes the potting medium as well drained and rich in organic matter.

• Water: Dry to medium²

Best soil for a Dwarf Umbrella Tree

For soil, NC State recommends a well-drained potting medium rich in organic matter. The drainage categories recorded for this plant are well drained and moist, and both apply to its soil.

In Clemson's watering advice, the soil is allowed to dry to ½ inch (1.3 cm) deep before the next watering. NC State says the plant gets only 4 to 6 feet (1.22 to 1.83 m) high and wide in a container.

• Soil drainage: Well drained and moist¹

Temperature and humidity

For this plant, Clemson advises you to maintain temperatures above 50 °F (10 °C). The NC State plant profile says that this plant likes high humidity.

If you grow it outdoors, it is listed for USDA hardiness zones 9b through 12b. NC State lists each half zone in that range, from 9b to 12b: 9b, 10a, 10b, 11a, 11b, 12a and 12b.

• Minimum temperature: 50 °F (10 °C)²
• Humidity: High¹

Pruning a Dwarf Umbrella Tree

Clemson advises that you prune just above a leaf to keep plants small. The pruning type recorded for this species is light shaping.

NC State gives its size in a container as 4 to 6 feet (1.22 to 1.83 m) high and wide. Its maintenance level is listed as low.

• Pruning: Light shaping²

How to propagate a Dwarf Umbrella Tree

Clemson says that this plant is propagated by seed, by cuttings and by air layering. In the plant record, the three methods are named as seed, stem cutting and layering.

Whichever method you choose, the plant is a shrub that reaches 4 to 6 feet (1.22 to 1.83 m) high in a container. NC State rates its growth rate as medium.

• Propagation: Seed, stem cuttings and layering²

Common problems

Clemson names mealybugs, scale insects and mites as common pests of scheffleras. NC State says red spider mites, mealybugs and scale can be a serious problem.

NC State reports no serious disease problems. Clemson adds that in the home, plant diseases are very rarely a problem.

• Common pests: spider mites, mealybugs and scale^1,2
• Common diseases: ^1,2

Questions and answers

Is the dwarf umbrella tree toxic to cats and dogs?

The ASPCA lists it as toxic to both cats and dogs. NC State says all parts of the plant are seriously toxic to dogs and cats. For cats, it describes the plant as having low severity poison characteristics.

How much light does a dwarf umbrella tree need indoors?

It prefers bright, indirect light and tolerates medium light and low light. Clemson says scheffleras prefer medium to bright light. As a houseplant, bright, direct light will burn the leaves.

What is the lowest temperature this plant should be kept at?

Clemson advises maintaining temperatures above 50 °F (10 °C). NC State adds that the plant likes high humidity. Outdoors, it is listed for USDA zones 9b through 12b.