Schefflera actinophylla (Umbrella plant)

Botanical name

Schefflera actinophylla

Other names

Umbrella plant, Octopus tree, Brassaia actinophylla, Australian ivy palm, Queensland umbrella tree

Genus

Schefflera Schefflera

Species

S. actinophylla - S. actinophylla is an erect, large shrub or small tree with sparsely branched stems of large green leaves. In summer it produces upright panicles of brown-red flowers, followed by black fruits

Foliage

Evergreen

Habit

Ascending branches, Broadly columnar, Erect

Colour

Flower

Reddish-brown, Brown in Summer

Foliage

Mid-green in All seasons

How to care

Watch out for

Specific pests

Glasshouse red spider mite , Mealybugs , Thrips

General care

Pruning

Prune lightly in dormant season (winter or early spring) and trim hedges in late summer.

Propagation

Air layering in spring. Sow seeds at 20-25 degrees C in spring. Root semi-ripe cuttings using bottom heat.

Propagation methods

Seed, Semi-ripe cuttings

Monthly care advice

Where to grow

Schefflera actinophylla (Umbrella plant) will reach a height of 12m and a spread of 6m after 20-50 Years.

Suggested uses

Architectural, Conservatory, Foliage only, Greenhouse, Indoor, Mediterranean, Sub-Tropical

Cultivation

Plant inside in loam-based potting compost in full light and shade from hot sun and with moderate humidity. Keep away from heaters when indoors. Tolerant of medium light levels indoors.

Soil type

Chalky, Clay, Loamy, Sandy (will tolerate most soil types)

Soil drainage

Moist but well-drained, Well-drained

Soil pH

Acid, Alkaline, Neutral

Light

Partial Shade, Full Sun

Aspect

South, East, West

Exposure

Sheltered

UK hardiness Note: We are working to update our ratings. Thanks for your patience.

Indoor heated (H1), Indoor unheated (H2), Tender in frost (H3)

USDA zones

Zone 10, Zone 9, Zone 8, Zone 7

Defra's Risk register #1

Plant name

Schefflera actinophylla (Umbrella plant)

Common pest name

Leaf spot: ginseng; Leaf spot: ornamentals

Scientific pest name

Alternaria panax

Type

Fungus

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

4

General biosecurity comments

A leaf spot disease; some commonly grown pot plants are hosts but main damage is to ginseng.

Defra's Risk register #2

Plant name

Schefflera actinophylla (Umbrella plant)

Common pest name

pink wax scale; red was scale; ruby wax scale

Scientific pest name

Ceroplastes rubens

Type

Insect

Current status in UK

Absent

Likelihood to spread to UK (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

Impact (1 is very low - 5 is very high)

3

General biosecurity comments

Based on its biology and low potential impact continued action on this pest in the UK would not be considered appropriate. It is likely to be of more concern to southern Member States of the EU; as it is an economic pest of citrus.

About this section

Our plants are under greater threat than ever before. There is increasing movement of plants and other material traded from an increasing variety of sources. This increases the chances of exotic pests arriving with imported goods and travellers, as well as by natural means. Shoot is working with Defra to help members to do their part in preventing the introduction and spread of invasive risks.

Traveling or importing plants? Please read "Don't risk it" advice here

Suspected outbreak? Click here for contact details to report to the relevant authority.

Date updated: 7^th March 2019 For more information visit: https://planthealthportal.defra.gov.uk/