Heptapleurum arboricola

Common Names

Umbrella Plant, Dwarf Umbrella Tree, Umbrella Tree, Parasol Plant, Octopus Tree, Hawaiian Umbrella Tree, Dwarf Schefflera

Summary

Umbrella plant (dwarf umbrella tree) is native to Taiwan and Hainan in Asia; it is an evergreen shrub or small tree with glossy, palmately compound leaves of 7–9 leaflets arranged in an umbrella-like rosette, leaflets typically 9–20 cm long with a lighter underside, and both variegated and non-variegated forms exist, commonly grown as a houseplant though outdoors in milder climates it can reach taller sizes. Cultivation calls for bright indirect light (tolerating lower light), well-drained soil, and moisture that is allowed to dry slightly between waterings; indoor temperatures around 18–24°C and higher humidity support growth, with rotation to keep growth balanced, repotting every 2–3 years, and fertilizing every 4–6 weeks during the growing season. Propagation can be by seed, semi-ripe cuttings, or air-layering; the plant is toxic to pets and humans if ingested due to calcium oxalate crystals, and common pests include red spider mites, mealybugs, and scale; its use as an indoor specimen plant or in conservatories is complemented by several cultivars such as Gold Capella and Compacta.

Lifecycle

Perennial

Height

3-6 feet

Spread

4-20 inches

Hardiness Zones

Zones 10-12

Sunlight Requirements

Ideally Partial Sun, bright indirect light is preferred.

Soil Type

Well-drained loam soil (loamy soil), well-draining potting mix

Soil Drainage

Well-drained soil, Moist but well-drained soil, Keep evenly moist but not waterlogged, Allow soil to dry out between waterings

Soil pH

No single ideal pH, Tolerates all pH levels

Bloom Color

Green

Bloom Time

Summer to Fall

Foliage Color

Green foliage, glossy on the upper surface with a lighter underside; variegated forms have cream/white markings.

Fall Foliage Color

Green

Leaf Lifecycle

Evergreen broadleaf

Growth Rate

About 20 cm per year, indicating a high growth rate; growth is faster in brighter light and slower in lower light; typically reaches 0.5–1 m in 2–5 years.

Seasons of Interest

Spring and Summer

Propagation Methods

Seeds, Cuttings, Air-layering

Attracts Wildlife

Attracts bees, attracts other pollinators, attracts birds