Bali

Schefflera

Umbrella Tree

• 
  Easy care
• 
  Most light conditions

• Bali likes...
  • 
    Light watering

    Let her dry out a little, check to see if the top two inches of soil are dry before watering.

  • 
    Medium light

    She’ll be ok in semi-shade but is happiest in bright, indirect light. She likes a spot away from harsh sunlight.

  • 
    Humidity

    She enjoys a moist atmosphere so use a plant mister to spritz her once a week or so. Or put her in the bathroom.

• Quick facts

  Botanical name

  Schefflera actinophylla

  Nickname

  Umbrella tree; Octopus tree

  Plant type

  Evergreen perennial, indoor

  Air purifying

  Yes

  Plant height (including pot)

  80-90cm

  Pet/baby safe

  Toxic to animals

  pot size

  17cm

• About schefflera

  In the wild, this schefflera is most commonly found in Taiwanese forests, where it might grow as tall as nine metres. Growing a schefflera on lava or a moss pole looks very elegant and makes it very easy to look after.

  For the Bali on lava, the schefflera’s roots have grown around the lava, a porous stone. As the lava absorbs water from the tray, the plant sucks water from the lava. Try to keep the tray about three-quarters full. If any roots grow down and touch the surface of the water, trim them with scissors. It will stop the plant sucking up too much water and turning yellow.

  If you need to move your schefflera, always be sure to lift it by the tray, not the lava rock, to avoid damaging the rock or the plant. Every piece of lava rock is unique, so the one you receive will differ from the one in the pictures. Over time, you may see light white marks or green algae appear on the rock. This can look beautiful, but if you'd rather remove it you can do so by lightly scrubbing with a toothbrush (best not the one you're currently using).

  It’s not just lava rocks the plant will grow on. For the schefflera on the moss pole, the roots have attached to the pole to help it climb up. In the wild it can affix itself to the trunks of other trees.