Dwarf Umbrella Tree
Schefflera arboricola
The Dwarf Umbrella Tree has glossy leaflets arranged like the spokes of an umbrella radiating from each stem. It is a popular, fast-growing indoor plant and a favorite subject for bonsai.
- Light
- Bright indirect light
- Water
- When top inch dries
- Difficulty
- Easy
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Overview
The Dwarf Umbrella Tree, Schefflera arboricola, is an evergreen shrub native to Taiwan and Hainan, widely grown as a houseplant and bonsai.
Its common name comes from the way 7-11 glossy, oval leaflets radiate from a central point like the spokes of an umbrella. Compared to its larger relative Schefflera actinophylla, it stays smaller and bushier, making it ideal indoors.
It is fast-growing, easy, and tolerant, and variegated forms add splashes of cream or gold. Its trunk-like stems also make it a classic choice for bonsai training.
How to identify it
Key features to recognize the Dwarf Umbrella Tree:
- Leaves: compound, with 7-11 glossy, oval leaflets radiating from one point
- Variegation: some cultivars splashed with creamy yellow
- Habit: upright, bushy shrub, often 3-8 feet indoors
- Stems: woody, branching, suitable for bonsai
- Flowers/fruit: rare indoors; red-orange flower spikes and dark fruit outdoors
Care & growing
Light: Bright, indirect light keeps it full; low light causes legginess and leaf drop.
Water: Water when the top inch of soil dries; avoid both drought stress and waterlogging.
Soil: Well-draining general potting mix.
Temperature: 60-80F (16-27C); keep above 50F.
Feeding: Balanced fertilizer monthly in spring and summer.
Propagation: From stem cuttings or air layering.
Pruning: Responds well to pruning to stay bushy or for bonsai shaping.
Habitat & origin
Native to Taiwan and Hainan island, where it grows as an understory shrub or small tree in warm, subtropical forest.
In frost-free regions such as Florida and Hawaii it is grown outdoors and can become weedy. Worldwide it is a popular indoor foliage plant, hedge plant in warm climates, and bonsai specimen.
Frequently asked questions
Why is my umbrella tree dropping leaves?
Common causes are too little light, drafts, or inconsistent watering. Give it steady bright light and even moisture.
Can the Dwarf Umbrella Tree be a bonsai?
Yes, its woody stems and small leaves make it one of the most popular indoor bonsai subjects.
How do I keep it bushy?
Prune the growing tips regularly and provide bright light to prevent legginess.
Dwarf Umbrella Tree guides
In-depth guides for identifying, growing, and caring for Dwarf Umbrella Tree.
