Schefflera Amate Plant Care: The Umbrella Tree

When you look at Schefflera Amate, you fall in love with glossy leaves and stunning form. So, today if you have not invested in the Australian umbrella tree yet, you might reconsider when reaching the end of our Schefflera care tip guide.

One thing is for use these indoor plants bring a tropical vibe to any atmosphere.

More About Schefflera Plant

The Schefflera Amate, or the fancier botanical name Schefflera actinophylla, is a lush tropical fast-growing tree up to 65 feet tall. Still, this only happens in its natural environment in Australia and New Guinea.

The tree has vibrant, glossy green leaves with an umbrella shape hence the common name. The umbrella tree adapts well to indoor plants compared to other larger plants that struggle, like your Ficus tree.

Another striking thing is the rounded form as it ages. Still, you can pinch it back, preventing this from happening. Yet, the tree does grow wide and can take up some space as potted plants in the home.

Alternatively, you can always grow your umbrella tree in the garden instead of growing it in a container. The dwarf Schefflera are great umbrella plants to grow indoors and outside. The tree‘s growth rate is moderate indoors but faster outdoors.

Schefflera Indoor Plants Care

Growing these species of umbrella trees needs very little upkeep as long as they receive bright light and is not moved around too much.

The glorious Schefflera Amate is even easy to care for if you have a black thumb, so beginner gardeners will find pleasure in caring for this plant.

A fun fact is that the plant has a beautiful leaf structure and flowers in the wild, but it rarely happens indoors.

Bright Indirect Light is Best The Best For Schefflera Houseplants

Depending on where you live, Schefflera plants can thrive in medium light at a north-facing window receiving natural light all day.

So, depending on where you stay, your Schefflera Amate may be able to stand in an east or south window to receive bright indirect light.

The crucial thing is not to place your plant in direct sun but indirect light, as the hot sun can burn the foliage. While low light results in slower growth with a not-so-good form.

Another helpful tip is to rotate your Schefflera Amate every few months to provide light conditions on both sides.

Potting Soil for Australian Umbrella Tree

For Schefflera Amate care and soil, using organic potting soil works best. An important tip is to choose one formulated for your houseplants.

To make well-drained soil, you can add some coco coir, as it holds water and provides good drainage with aeration.

Compared to peat moss, coco coir is much more environmentally friendly. Also, remember to use a pot with enough drainage holes.

Watering Amate Plants

As with most houseplants, the umbrella plant does not enjoy constant moisture. Hence, over-watering leads to root rot, leaf spot, and powdery mildew.

Instead, you can water deeply, allowing excess water to drain and remove, leaving the soil dry before watering again.

Still, it also depends on where your Schefflera Amate stands. You may find when it stands in direct sun, it will need more watering compared to standing in indirect light or low light.

Feeding Schefflera Amate Tree

There is no need to fertilize your Schefflera Amates plant outdoors as you have applied some worm compost to the ground.

Still, you can provide container-growing umbrella trees with extra nutrients and balanced houseplant fertilizer during the growing season.

These plants are not heavy feeders. Alternatively, you can use an organic houseplant fertilizer like fish emulsion or liquid kelp.

We recommend you dilute your fertilizer to half strength and apply it in spring, followed by another application in summer.

Furthermore, we recommend not feeding your new plants to established ones in fall or winter as the plant goes dormant. Another note of warning is to not over-fertilize as it can burn the roots.

Temperature and Humidity

If your home feels comfortable, it will feel comfortable for your umbrella tree. The important thing is not direct sun and preferably bright indirect light. Neither should your plant stand in front of heating vents, air conditioners, and cold drafts.

Whether you have young or larger plants, they do well in homes with dry air and do not get brown leaves and brown tips. Still, if you feel your plant lacks humidity, you can fill a saucer with water and pebbles to place underneath your plant.

Alternatively, you can mist the leaves a few times during the week but ensure that it is completely dry before nighttime to prevent the Alternaria leaf spot.

Repotting and Pruning Your New Plant

When repotting your plant, it is best done in spring, summer, or even early fall when living in warmer climates. We do not recommend keeping your Schefflera actinophylla too long in a tight spot, becoming rootbound.

So, once you see the fine roots peeping through the drainage hole, it is time to transplant your plant into a larger pot. You only prune your umbrella tree to control the size or propagation as the plant grows.

Still, if you leave it growing outdoors, you only need to remove dead or damaged foliage, as it will have a bushier appearance.

Propagating Umbrella Tree

An interesting fact is that experienced botanists can propagate the Amate plant from tissue culture. But for the inexperienced gardener using stem cuttings from a larger Schefflera works best. You can do this when you prune your plant in spring to prevent it from growing busy.

1. With sterilized blades of a pruning shear or knife, cut six inches of the stem at a 45° angle.

2. Next, remove the top leaves of the stem and dip the cut end into the rooting hormone.

3. Place the cutting in a container with potting soil.

4. Moisten the soil, cover your plant with a plastic bag to hold in the moisture, and place it in bright, indirect light.

5. Keep checking the pot daily for moisture, and open the bag for air circulation.

You should notice new growth after a month as the roots form, and you can then remove the covering.

Schefflera Varieties

Luckily the umbrella plant offers you different species you can grow at home.

Schefflera arboricola

The dwarf version you find growing in many home gardens with foliage growing in tight clusters. It is a variegated cultivar with creamy blotches and grows up to 25 feet tall.

Schefflera pueckleri

The Mallet Flower is a tropical evergreen tree found in Burma through to India. It can grow up to 40 feet tall with red-lobed leaves with green flower buds.

Common Problems With Pests and Disease

The umbrella tree has its fair share of problems with leaf spots resulting in leaf drops. Still, you can remedy the situation by avoiding overhead watering and watering only in the morning. If the problem persists, we recommend a copper fungicide.

Pests that bother your umbrella plants are aphids leaving a sooty mold. While outdoors, your plants are susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, and mealybugs. A treatment with insecticidal soap can do the trick.