myindoorplants

The name umbrella plant sounds different, but it is not picked from the rain, it is a type of indoor plant. I have shared my experience through this article.

Scientific classification of Umbrella Plant

• Kingdom: Plantae
• Clade: Tracheophytes
• Clade: Angiosperms
• Clade: Monocots
• Clade: Commelinids
• Order:Poales
• Family:Cyperaceae
• Genus: Cyperus
• Species: C. alternifolius

Umbrella Plant Prefers

• Light – Bright, indirect light
• Soil – Well draining
• Soil pH – 6.0-7.0
• Temperature – 55°F to 75°F
• Humidity– 60-70%
• Native area – Madagascar, Reunion, and Mauritius
• Toxicity – Human and pets

Umbrella Plant Care

Here, I will explain some important points through my experience.

Light

The Umbrella plant needs a good amount of light. However, it should never be placed in direct sunlight. Too much exposure to direct sunlight can cause its leaves to burn. Grow umbrella plant in a spot that gets bright, indirect light for the best results. Keep it out of direct sun and in a room that doesn’t get too cold. It does best with temperatures above 12ºC and benefits from some humidity as its native habitat is South East Asia.They can usually tolerate direct indoor light and will just grow more slowly and become leggy in medium-to-low light. 

Water

Schefflera are among one of our favorite plants to propagate and grow in water. Commonly known as the Umbrella Plant, Schefflera grows cluster of leaves that strongly resemble an umbrella.The trick is to water it just right – not too much and not too little. Wait until the top part of the soil feels dry, then give it a good drink. This might be about once a week, but it depends on your home.Water thoroughly when the top of the potting mix dries out, then let the soil dry before watering again. Umbrella plants are flexible about watering but more tolerant of dry soil than overwatering.

Soil

If growing indoors, plant schefflerain a rich, loose, well-drained potting soil. A well-draining, sandy loam soil with a slightly acidic pH is ideal when grown outdoors. Avoid planting outdoors where the soil becomes too wet or soggy.Rich, well-draining soil with organic matter is key for Umbrella Trees. Optimal pH 6.0-6.5; use perlite/vermiculite for aeration and moisture.When repotting your umbrella plant, use a standard, peat-free house plant compost. It will need to be repotted every two to three years.

Temperature & humidity

Scheffleras prefer temperatures between 60-75°F. They can tolerate slightly cooler temperatures, but avoid exposing them to cold drafts or temperatures below 50°F. Keeping your umbrella plant somewhere too cold can cause leaf loss. Schefflera should never be exposed to temperatures below 10°C.They can be grown outdoors year-round in USDA zones 10-11.

Grow umbrella plant in a spot that gets bright, indirect light for the best results. Keep it out of direct sun and in a room that doesn’t get too cold. It does best with temperatures above 12ºC and benefits from some humidity as its native habitat is South East Asia.Umbrella Trees flourish in a humidity sweet spot—ideally over 60%. This tropical native craves a moist embrace, akin to its rainforest roots. Misting the leaves can increase the humidity around the plant, but it should not be misted frequently or too heavily, as this can lead to fungal or bacterial growth on the leaves.

Fertilizer

Umbrella plants don’t need regular fertilizer, but for faster growth, you can give your plant a standard diluted plant fertilizeronce a month during the summer. Keep the leaves dust-free by wiping them with a damp cloth or sponge.Mist the leaves regularly to increase humidity or stand on a tray of moist gravel. Feed once a month with a general purpose liquid Fertilizer. Fertilize after each 3 month with cow dung manure or any balanced NPK fertilizer. This plant love to grow root bound so repot once in 2 year only.

How to propagate Umbrella Plant

Umbrella plants can be propagated by taking cuttings or by sowing seed. Cut a long shoot, around 10cm long, near the main stem so that you don’t leave a snag. Insert the cutting into a small pot filled with a soil-based potting compost mixed with equal parts grit. Keep half the stem above the level of the compost.Some people prefer to propagate their plants in water, as it’s easier to see if and when roots develop. By staying clear of the common water propagation mistakes, it’s possible to do this with umbrella plants – and the process is very similar to propagating them in soil.

Umbrella Plant Pruning

Your schefflera might need to be pruned occasionally, especially if it is not getting enough light. Leggy schefflera can be pruned to encourage a fuller plant. Cut off what you feel is overgrown or appearing leggy.Pruning a Schefflera is easy, and they tolerate it very well. Just cut back what you think is overgrown, too leggy and narrow or too long to size or shape you like. Schefflera houseplants recover quickly from pruning and will look even fuller and bushier shortly after pruning.The best time of year to prune umbrella plants is in spring, but it is also possible to prune later in the year. That said, we explicitly advise against pruning umbrella plants during the winter months.

Common problem of Umbrella Plant

• Schefflera can be affected by pests such as spider mites, mealy bugs and scale insects but are generally disease free. Any problems with the leaves, such as yellowing or dropped leaves are more likely to be due to a problem with watering or temperature.
• The main reason for umbrella tree leaves turning brown and dropping is too-cold temperatures or a too dry environment. Indoor umbrella trees should be kept in your home.
• Yellowing Leaves. If your Umbrella Plant’s leaves turn yellow, it could be a sign of overwatering, poor drainage, or a nutrient deficiency. 

Umbrella Plant Benefits

• The vines and leaves are used to nourish the mind, calm the mind, nourish the blood, and be active. Moreover, the vines and leaves are also used to treat nervous weakness, anemia, body aches and pains.
• In China Umbrella tree is one of the most commonly used plants in Feng Shui, which is also known as acupuncture for your home. The leaf fingers capture positive energy and the plant is said to attract wealth for the residents.
• The Umbrella Palm is not only a beautiful plant, but it also has several health benefits. It is known to purify the air by removing harmful toxins and pollutants.