Schefflera arboricola

Common Name:
Dwarf Umbrella Tree

Description:
Schefflera arboricola, commonly known as the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, is a versatile, evergreen foliage plant admired for its glossy, radiating leaves that resemble the spokes of an umbrella. Native to Taiwan and Hainan, this adaptable species has become a staple in both indoor and outdoor landscaping across Melbourne due to its resilience and decorative appeal. It features compact growth and dense, umbrella-like clusters of oval leaflets, with some cultivars showcasing variegated or golden foliage. It thrives in bright, indirect light indoors, or part shade in sheltered outdoor positions. Tolerant of a range of conditions, including short dry periods, this plant prefers well-drained soil and occasional pruning to maintain its shape. While it can produce small flowers in warm climates, flowering is rare in Melbourne. Its neat form and tolerance for trimming also make it a strong candidate for hedging, topiary, or bonsai.

Form:

• Shrub - Medium

• Shrub - Small

• Suitable for Indoor Foliage

• Suitable for Hedging

Mature Size:

• Height: 2–3 metres (can be kept smaller in pots or with pruning)

• Width: 1–2 metres

Aspect:

• Full Sun

• Part Shade

• Indoors / Well lit

Flowering:

• Flowers in Summer (rare in Melbourne)

• Does not flower under Melbourne's weather conditions

Flower Colour:

• Yellow-Green (infrequent; not significant in cultivation)

Key Attributes:

• Suitable for Pots

• Suitable for Indoors

• Suitable for Hedging

• Suitable for Topiary

• Disease Resistant

• Perennial

• Low Maintenance

• Tolerant of Pruning

• Air-purifying qualities

Toxicity:

• Mildly toxic to humans if ingested (can cause oral irritation and digestive upset)

• Toxic to cats and dogs (can cause vomiting, drooling, and oral irritation if ingested)

Companion Plants:

• Ficus elastica

• Dracaena marginata

• Sansevieria trifasciata

• Zamioculcas zamiifolia (ZZ Plant)

• Philodendron ‘Xanadu’