umbrella tree (octopus tree, Australian umbrella tree)
Schefflera actinophylla
Tropical evergreen tree with glossy palmate compound leaves, commonly grown as an easy indoor/outdoor ornamental; can become large and invasive in some regions.
Caution: Toxic to Pets
Toxicity: toxic
Contains calcium oxalate crystals; ingestion or chewing causes oral irritation, drooling, vomiting and swelling. Keep away from pets and children.
🌱Care Requirements
Light
Place the umbrella tree in bright, indirect light near an east or west window. It tolerates some morning sun but avoid hot afternoon sun on south windows. Rotate the pot every few weeks so the canopy grows evenly and to prevent legginess.
Water
Water thoroughly when the top 2.5–5 cm (1–2 in) of soil is dry; allow excess to drain and never let the pot sit in water. Use room-temperature water and reduce frequency in winter. Check moisture with finger or meter to avoid root rot from overwatering.
Humidity
Prefers moderate humidity (40–60%). Increase humidity with pebble trays, grouping plants, misting occasionally, or using a humidifier, especially in heated indoor air during winter months.
Temperature
Ideal 15–30°C (59–86°F). Avoid temperatures below about 10°C (50°F) and protect from cold drafts and hot, dry heating vents to prevent leaf drop and stress.
🔧Common Problems & Solutions
Yellowing lower leaves and soggy soil
Cause: Overwatering or poor drainage causing root rot
Solution: Allow soil to dry to recommended depth, improve drainage, repot into fresh mix, trim rotten roots and reduce watering frequency
Brown, crispy leaf edges
Cause: Underwatering, low humidity, or exposure to hot dry air
Solution: Increase humidity, water more consistently, move away from heating vents and check soil moisture regularly
Leggy, sparse growth and leaning stems
Cause: Insufficient light or uneven light exposure
Solution: Move to brighter, indirect light, rotate plant regularly, and prune to encourage bushier growth
Sticky residue or cottony spots on stems/undersides
Cause: Sap-sucking pests like scale or mealybugs
Solution: Isolate plant, wipe with alcohol-dipped cotton swab, use insecticidal soap or horticultural oil and repeat treatments until pests are gone
✂️How to Propagate umbrella tree (octopus tree, Australian umbrella tree)
Stem cuttings: take 10–15 cm (4–6 in) semi-ripe cuttings with several leaf nodes, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, and place in a moist, well-draining mix; keep warm and humid until roots form. Air-layering: wound a healthy branch, apply rooting hormone, wrap with moist sphagnum and plastic until roots develop, then sever and pot. Seeds: sow fresh in warm, moist mix and keep consistently warm and humid.
🌍Origin & Background
Family: Araliaceae
Native to: Native to northeastern Australia and New Guinea; naturalized in tropical and subtropical regions worldwide.
Natural Habitat: An understory and forest-edge species in tropical rainforests and coastal lowlands, growing in dappled light with seasonal rainfall and well-draining soils.
🗓Seasonal Care Guide
Winter
Reduce watering frequency, keep plant in bright indoor light, avoid cold drafts, and maintain humidity. Feed lightly or pause fertilizing until spring.
Spring
Increase watering as growth resumes, begin monthly balanced feeding, prune to shape and repot if rootbound to stimulate vigorous growth.
Summer
Provide bright indirect light, consistent moisture without waterlogging, rotate to ensure even light exposure, and monitor for pests during active growth.
Fall
Gradually reduce fertilization and watering as growth slows. Check for pests and remove yellowing leaves; move away from cooling windows if nights get chilly.
❓Frequently Asked Questions
How often should I water an umbrella tree?
Water when the top 2.5–5 cm (1–2 in) of soil is dry, typically every 7–14 days depending on season and pot size.
Can Schefflera tolerate low light?
It tolerates lower light but grows leggy and slowly; bright, indirect light gives the best foliage and compact habit.
Is the umbrella tree toxic to pets?
Yes. It contains calcium oxalate crystals and can cause drooling, vomiting and oral irritation if chewed.
How do I prune to encourage bushy growth?
Prune back leggy stems to a node in spring; regular pinching or heading cuts promote branching and a fuller canopy.
Why are leaves dropping suddenly?
Sudden drops are usually due to temperature shock, drafts, overwatering or underwatering—check conditions and adjust gradually.
Turn These Tips into Daily Plant Chats
Get watering reminders, humidity alerts, and adorable updates straight from your umbrella tree (octopus tree, Australian umbrella tree). TextMyPlant keeps you on schedule so your plants always look their best.
Start chatting with your plants🌿Related Plant Guides
Calathea (prayer plant)
IntermediateCalathea spp. (many species now reclassified to Goeppertia)
Tropical, foliage-focused houseplant with striking patterned leaves; prefers bright indirect light, high humidity, and evenly moist, well-draining soil.
Rubber plant
BeginnerFicus elastica
Evergreen tropical tree commonly grown as a houseplant with glossy, leathery oval leaves; adaptable and low-maintenance, prefers bright indirect light and moderate watering.
Anthurium (flamingo flower, tailflower)
IntermediateAnthurium
Tropical evergreen genus prized for glossy foliage and colorful waxy spathes; prefers bright, indirect light, warm temperatures, and high humidity.
Dumb cane
BeginnerDieffenbachia seguine
Tropical evergreen houseplant with large variegated leaves, commonly called dumb cane; popular ornamental plant; toxic if ingested.
Last updated: 11/7/2025