Schefflera Basic Plant Care

With a maximum height of four feet, Dwarf Schefflera (Schefflera arboricola) plants are popular for their small footprint, convenient small size and ease of care. For Schefflera plants, the ideal environment is warm and evenly moist with bright, indirect light making Schefflera the perfect plant for livening up the house, office or garden.

Schefflera Plant Care – Light Requirements

Schefflera plants flourish in areas with a lot of light. Care for schefflera houseplants by placing them in rooms with bright filtered or indirect light. Protect houseplants that grow in front of windows by placing sheer coverings or adjustable blinds over the window so that the amount of light reaching the plant may be quickly altered. This will also protect your Schefflera from intense heat and direct sunlight which can scorch foliage and cause soil to dry excessively. The foliage of your Schefflera arboricola plants will turn yellow and drop if there is insufficient light.

Temperatures do not greatly affect Schefflera as these plants are native to warm temperate and tropical areas. However, extreme temperatures or exposure to cool drafts may cause difficulties for your plant. Care for Schefflera plants is ideal in most warm areas such as homes, offices or in warm greenhouses.

Schefflera Plant Care – Water Requirements

Schefflera require an evenly moist environment. Water moderately during growth and keep only moist to the touch in winter. During the growing season, allow the soil to dry between watering. However, do not leave the soil dry for too long or allow your Schefflera to sit in water which could lead to many pathogen and performance problems for your plant. Leaves that turn black and drop are signs of excessive water. Too little water causes the tips of the leaves to curl or wrinkle.

Areas with cooler temperatures or drafts may cause the soil to dry especially quickly. Take care to water Schefflera plants more often if kept in cooler areas such as offices, patios, and other areas whose temperature cannot be readily adjusted.

Schefflera Plant Care – Fertilizer Requirements

Schefflera houseplants perform best when a balanced (20-20-20) liquid fertilizer is applied monthly during growth. Another option is to adjust to half-strength fertilizer and apply when watering every 2-3 weeks.