foliage
DecorativeUmbrella Plant
Schefflera arboricola
Toxic to cats and dogs — keep it out of reach (source: ASPCA).
Some direct sun — an east or west window, or a few hours of direct light.
Keep evenly moist — water when the top inch of soil is dry.
Forgiving and beginner-friendly.
The umbrella plant is an easygoing, bushy foliage plant whose leaflets radiate like the spokes of an umbrella. It is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed.
About Umbrella Plant
The umbrella plant (Schefflera arboricola) is a shrubby foliage plant from Taiwan, named for the glossy leaflets that radiate from each stem like the spokes of an umbrella. Indoors it grows upright to a metre or two, giving height to a corner, and a 6-litre pot anchors it. It is easygoing and quick to bush out, which makes it a good way to add a larger green presence to a rental without much trouble.
Let the top few centimetres of soil dry between waterings, and keep it in bright indirect light, where it stays dense rather than thin. Prune the tips now and then to encourage a fuller shape. It is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed, so keep it clear of pets that nibble.
What it’s like to grow
Schefflera is an easy, adaptable plant that mostly just wants enough light. In a dim corner it grows leggy and sparse and starts dropping leaves; overwatering brings leaf drop too, sometimes with black spots. Let the soil surface dry between waterings, give it bright indirect light, and pinch the tips to keep it bushy. It is toxic to cats and dogs, so site it out of reach in a pet home. Otherwise a forgiving choice for filling vertical space.
What to expect
It’s forgiving, so it’s a good one to learn on. No sunny window? It also does fine under a clip-on grow light.
See what you’ll need to get started ↓Grow it alongside
Houseplants that want the same light, water and humidity are happy sharing a spot. See what thrives with Umbrella Plant →
Tips
- Let the top few centimetres of soil dry between waterings.
- Bright, indirect light keeps it dense; it gets leggy in dim corners.
- Prune the tips to encourage a fuller, bushier shape.
Common problems
- Leggy, sparse growth and leaf drop in low light.
- Leaf drop or black spots from overwatering.
Common questions
Is Umbrella Plant toxic to cats and dogs?
Umbrella Plant is toxic to cats and dogs if eaten, so keep it out of reach of pets that chew. Source: ASPCA.
How much light does Umbrella Plant need?
Umbrella Plant does best in medium, indirect light: near an east or west window, or a little back from a bright one. Direct midday sun can scorch it.
How often should I water Umbrella Plant?
Water Umbrella Plant when the top inch of soil feels dry, then let it drain. Aim for evenly moist, not soggy.
What temperature does Umbrella Plant need?
Umbrella Plant is happiest around 16–24 °C. It tolerates brief dips to about 10 °C, but cold drafts and sudden chills set it back.
Can I grow Umbrella Plant without a sunny window?
Yes. Umbrella Plant does well under an affordable clip-on grow light, so a bright window isn't essential.
How big does Umbrella Plant get?
An upright, shrubby plant reaching 1–2 m indoors, with glossy leaflets arranged like umbrella spokes.
How do I propagate Umbrella Plant?
Root a stem-tip cutting in water or moist mix, keeping it warm until roots form.
What pests affect Umbrella Plant?
Watch for spider mites, scale, mealybugs and aphids. Check new growth and the undersides of leaves often, and treat early with a rinse or insecticidal soap before they spread.
Is Umbrella Plant easy to grow?
Yes. Umbrella Plant is forgiving and one of the better plants to learn on.
Gear for Umbrella Plant
Gear suggestions to get you started — general picks, not paid placements.
Pet-toxicity from the ASPCA. Care details are general guidance, not professional or veterinary advice. Photo: Dandy1022, CC BY-SA 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons (CC-BY-SA). Care info last updated 2026-06-02.