Plants / Umbrella Plant

Umbrella Plant

Schefflera arboricola

Also known as: Schefflera, Dwarf Umbrella Tree

⚠ïļ Toxic to petsAraliaceaeModerate to propagate

A complete guide to growing and propagating Umbrella Plant: its care needs, how to take cuttings and root them, how long propagation takes, and how to fix the most common problems.

Umbrella Plant care at a glance

☀ïļ Light
Bright, indirect light.
💧 Water
Let the top inch dry between waterings.
ðŸŠī Soil
Well-draining potting mix.
ðŸ’Ļ Humidity
Average to high humidity.
ðŸū Toxicity
Toxic to cats and dogs (calcium oxalates).

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How to propagate Umbrella Plant

Stem cuttings

Difficulty: ModerateTimeline: Roots in 4-6 weeks with warmth.
  1. Cut a stem tip below a node and remove lower leaves.
  2. Dip in rooting hormone and insert in moist soil.
  3. Cover loosely to hold humidity until rooted.

Common Umbrella Plant problems & fixes

Dropping leaves

Overwatering, cold, or low light. Stabilize conditions.

Leggy growth

Too little light. Prune and give brighter light.

Sticky leaves / scale

Scale insects. Wipe off and treat with insecticidal soap or neem.

Track your umbrella plant cuttings & propagation in SnipLog

Log when you took each cutting, set rooting reminders, and watch your propagation timeline — free on iPhone.

Get SnipLog →

Toxicity notes are a general guide based on ASPCA-style classifications — if a pet ingests any houseplant, contact your vet. Care needs vary with your home's conditions.