Umbrella plant care
Schefflera arboricola — also called Dwarf umbrella tree, Schefflera. Everything below is the same data Plantroster uses to schedule care for this species.
Care at a glance
| Light | Bright indirect. Tolerates medium. Some direct sun tolerated. |
|---|---|
| Water | About every 9 days in summer, every 16 in winter. Let the top 2" dry first. |
| Soil | Standard houseplant mix — 7 parts potting mix, 3 parts perlite |
| Humidity | At least 35%, happiest near 55% |
| Temperature | 60–80°F. Cold damage below 45°F; heat stress in sun above 95°F. |
| Feeding | Every ~45 days while actively growing. Nothing in winter. |
| Repotting | Every 3 years, or when roots circle the pot |
| Tap water | Tolerates tap water |
| Pets & children | Toxic. Calcium oxalates. |
What people get wrong about umbrella plant
Sudden leaf drop is nearly always overwatering or a cold draft.
Common problems
Watch for spider mites, scale, mealybugs, aphids. Check leaf undersides monthly — backlighting a leaf against a window is the fastest way to catch mite webbing before an infestation takes hold.
Plantroster tracks this plant's watering, feeding and repotting cadence against your actual weather — and tells you when a cold night or heatwave means moving it.
Open PlantrosterUmbrella plant FAQ
How often should I water a umbrella plant?
Roughly every 9 days in the growing season and every 16 days in winter, but treat that as a starting point rather than a rule — light, pot size and your home's warmth all shift it. Let the top 2" dry. Overwatering causes rapid leaf drop.
Is umbrella plant toxic to cats and dogs?
Yes. Calcium oxalates. Keep it out of reach of pets that chew plants.
How much light does a umbrella plant need?
Bright indirect is ideal, and it will cope with medium. Some direct sun tolerated.
Why does my umbrella plant have brown tips?
Umbrella plant is not fluoride-sensitive, so brown tips here usually point to inconsistent watering or fertilizer salts built up in old soil. Flush the pot thoroughly and keep to a steadier watering rhythm.
What soil is best for umbrella plant?
Standard houseplant mix: 7 parts potting mix, 3 parts perlite. Bagged potting soil alone stays too wet in an indoor pot; perlite fixes the drainage.
Other plant guides
General horticultural guidance, not a substitute for inspecting your own plant. Toxicity notes are a starting point — if a pet or child has eaten part of a plant, contact a vet or poison control rather than relying on this page.