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Schefflera
Brassaia actinophylla
(brass-ay-ah act-in-o-fi-la)
Schefflera arboricola
(shef-LEER-uh ar-bor-ih-KOLE-uh)



Click on thumbnails for larger image.

What about it?

Schefflera are large, tree-like houseplants, with palmately compound leaves. Leaves are a glossy texture and a rich green color. There are two related species called by the same name, Schefflera arboricola (dwarf schefflera, right two pictures above) and Brassaia actinophylla (schefflera or umbrella tree, left two pictures above).

What is it used for?

Schefflera is used most often as a specimen house plant.

Where does it grow? How do we grow it?

Scheffleras grow best in half-day sunlight. Night temperatures of 65-70 degrees F, and day temperatures of 75-80 degrees F are ideal. Keep soil moderately dry between waterings.

What are its primary problems?

Schefflera can be seriously troubled by spider mites.

How do we propagate it?

Plants can be purchased at a nursery and transplanted.

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