Houseplants
Umbrella Plant
Schefflera arboricola
Glossy leaf-umbrellas stack into a small indoor tree that mostly just wants consistency.
- Typical watering
- Every ~10 days
- Light
- medium to bright indirect
- Difficulty
- easy
- Safety
- Toxic to cats and dogs
Care tips
- Water when the top 5 cm dries; drooping yellow leaves mean too wet
- Prune hard in spring - it back-buds readily and thickens up
- Keep at 16-24°C away from heat vents
- Check leaf undersides for spider mites in dry winter air
Common questions
How often should I water an umbrella plant? +
A healthy indoor umbrella plant typically wants water every 10 days or so. Treat that as a starting cadence, not a rule — pot size, light, and season all shift it, so check the soil before you pour.
How much light does an umbrella plant need? +
An umbrella plant does best in medium to bright indirect light. If it stretches, fades, or stalls, adjust its spot before changing anything else.
Is an umbrella plant toxic to cats or dogs? +
Yes — the umbrella plant is considered toxic to cats and dogs (per the ASPCA plant lists). Keep it out of reach, and call your vet if you suspect a pet has chewed it.
Typical guidance for a healthy umbrella plant — your own conditions (and your vet, for animals) come first.
Related guides
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