Umbrella plant
Also called Dwarf umbrella tree, Octopus tree.
| Light | bright indirect light |
|---|---|
| Water | Every 8 days in the growing season, every 18 in winter |
| Humidity | medium |
| Difficulty | easy |
| Height | Up to 200 cm (79 in) tall |
| Pets | Cats toxic, dogs toxic |
Source: ASPCA Animal Poison Control, toxic and non-toxic plants, Schefflera entry.
Toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. Toxic to cats and dogs. The principle is calcium oxalate crystals, causing intense burning of the mouth, lips and tongue, drooling, vomiting and difficulty swallowing. Keep it where an animal that eats houseplants cannot reach it, and speak to a vet if one does. In South Africa telephone the Poison Information Helpline on 0861 555 777; in the US, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center on (888) 426-4435.
One of the easiest large houseplants there is, and the one most often ruined by being left in a dim corner and then watered to compensate. The leaflets radiate from the end of each stalk like the spokes of an umbrella, which is where the name comes from, and a happy plant makes a dense glossy column that will reach the ceiling in a few years. It takes hard pruning better than almost anything else in this journal: cut it back to a stump in spring and it will branch from old wood. Give it bright light, let the top of the compost dry between waterings, and keep it away from cats and dogs, because the whole plant is loaded with calcium oxalate.
Ailments observed
| Leaves falling off | A move, a draught, or compost that went from soaked to bone dry. Settle it somewhere steady and water on a rhythm. It sheds leaves at any sudden change and regrows within weeks. |
|---|---|
| Long bare stems and pale new leaves | Not enough light. Move it brighter and cut it back hard in spring. It branches readily from old wood, which few houseplants do. |
Filed underPlants that forgive a beginner, Statement plants
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