Is Arboricola The Same As Schefflera?

Is Arboricola the same as Schefflera?

Schefflera group of plants, the palm family has been named after the German botanist Carl Alexander von Scheffler. The genus Schefflera is a bit confusing to say the least because there are many different species which have been grouped together.

The terms “umbrella plant,” “Schefflera,” and “octopus tree” refer to two distinct but closely related species: Schefflera Arboricola and Schefflera Actinophylla. Schefflera Arboricola has a lot of similarities to its Schefflera Actinophylla cousin including leaves that resemble a parasol.

Schefflera Arboricola grows in clusters and is characterized by having arching branches, bright green to red leaves, pale pink flowers and small white berries. The tree reaches a height of 6 feet initially but quickly reaches 10 feet or more when reaching maturity.

It is an easy plant to grow, adaptable to virtually any home environment, grows well in either sun or shade, and has a lifespan of many years. Arboricola can be mistaken for Schefflera Actinophylla because the leaves look very similar. The difference is that the Arboricola leaves are less glossy, paler green and slightly smaller.

How big does Schefflera Arboricola grow?

Schefflera Arboricola, sometimes referred to as the “dwarf umbrella tree,” has fewer leaflets and a mature height of just 3 to 4 feet inside. Both types require similar care, though the dwarf version is slightly more delicate in appearance.

If you’re looking for a houseplant with a distinctive appearance that isn’t “spiky,” cultivate Schefflera. Schefflera Arboricola succeeds in nearly any home environment and can grow indoors in only bright, indirect sunlight. A mature tree will reach an impressive height of 6 or 7 feet.

Agriculture can be rigorous because of this plant’s unique nature, but it grows happily in indoor conditions provided with plenty of light and good air circulation.

Schefflera requires more frequent watering than other types of plants because the leaves and branches are composed of a leathery outer layer that dries out with time.

How much light does Schefflera Arboricola need?

Schefflera Arboricola prefers a full sun location with bright, indirect light. This plant can handle exposure to strong direct light. If your Schefflera is in a spot that needs re-positioning, move it to a location where the plant receives adequate light exposure with at least 6 hours of direct sunlight. In addition, leave the umbrella tree in semi-shade for at least 2 hours per day during the summer time.

Schefflera Arboricola is a tropical plant, and it does not have the ability to tolerate cold temperatures. If your Schefflera plant is located in an area that receives a lot of frost, you should move it to a location that can tolerate the cooler temperatures.

Schefflera Arboricola typically needs very little watering. During the summer months, however, it prefers to be watered regularly. Water Schefflera Arboricola when the soil feels slightly dry.

How fast does Schefflera Arboricola grow?

Schefflera Arboricola grows relatively quickly. When cultivated indoors, it requires approximately 6 to 8 months reaching maturity. This time frame varies according to the different conditions of your house environment.

This plant prefers full sun and only needs watering when the soil becomes dry. For its rich, tropical leaves, Schefflera species such as the umbrella tree (Schefflera Actinophylla) and dwarf Schefflera (Schefflera Arboricola) are extensively planted as decorative plants.

The majority of healthy Schefflera plants grow at a breakneck pace, adding three feet of growth per year. Schefflera Arboricola thrives in areas where the temperature ranges between 75 and 90 degrees Fahrenheit.

What is the best soil for Schefflera Arboricola?

Schefflera Arboricola prefers soil that drains quickly, but rich in nutrients. Mix equal parts of potting soil and sand to provide your Schefflera with the best possible growing environment. Add some root stimulator fertilizer to the potting mix before planting.

The ratio of fertilizer to water should be 1:10. This ratio will ensure proper fertilizer penetration, enhanced growth and protection against fungal diseases. Schefflera Arboricola is extremely sensitive to water, so you must make sure its soil is always dry.

Schefflera Arboricola grows equally well in pots or hanging baskets. Use a well-draining potting mix for both containers. Schefflera Arboricola does best in temperatures between 60 and 70 degrees Fahrenheit, but will tolerate lower temperatures as long as the plant gets sufficient sunlight.

Is Schefflera Arboricola a perennial?

Schefflera Arboricola is a tropical plant, so it will not grow if winter temperatures are too low. However, Schefflera’s slow growth rate, combined with the fact that it grows in clusters, means that this plant is probably not suited for growing indoors.

Schefflera Arboricola prefers to be set out in the garden and placed in a spot where it receives bright, indirect light, but it is not hardy enough to survive indoors year-round.

Schefflera Arboricola prefers full sun and requires at least 6 hours of sunlight daily. This plant is not suitable for areas with temperatures below 60 degrees Fahrenheit. As long as the umbrella plant receives plenty of light, you should be fine.

How do you look after Schefflera Arboricola?

Schefflera Arboricola, also known as the dwarf umbrella tree, is grown for its unique heart-shaped leaves, which can grow to a length of 4 inches and are about 1 inch wide. Although this plant is an indoor plant that can be kept outdoors during summer, it can only survive in temperatures above 60 degrees Fahrenheit but below 80 degrees Fahrenheit. The following are the factors to consider when caring;

Sunlight

Schefflera Arboricola likes to be in indirect light. Avoid placing the plant in a location that does not receive enough light because it will look dry and brown. The right amount of sunlight will ensure the leaves do not have dark spots and are green in color. Schefflera Arboricola requires at least 6 hours of sunlight a day. The plant will not thrive without enough sun.

Soil

Schefflera Arboricola has a tough root system, so do not use any fertilizer. The best soil mixture for this plant is one that combines sand, potting soil and some organic fertilizer such as blood meal, bone meal, or bat guano as a liquid fertilizer.

Watering

Schefflera Arboricola thrives in water that is slightly on the dry side. Soak the soil while watering so that it has the right amount of moisture. Keep the surface drier than the root area to avoid root rot.

Temperature

This tree also prefers to be placed in a location where the temperature ranges between 70 and 80 degrees Fahrenheit. If your Schefflera is located in an area that can’t tolerate low temperatures, you need to move it to another location that can tolerate cooler temperatures.

Humidity

Schefflera Arboricola benefits from a relative humidity level between 50 and 60 percent. If the humidity level is too low, the leaves will dry and brown up. High humidity levels will make the leaves look fuzzy or develop mildew. The easiest way to increase humidity is to put a room humidifier in your schefflera’s location.

Propagation

Propagating Schefflera Arboricola is easy. Cut a stem that is at least 2 inches long, then submerge it in leaf compost or vermiculite for about a week until new roots develop. Transplant the stem into a pot filled with potting soil after the roots have grown.

Repotting

Schefflera Arboricola needs to be repotted every 2 to 3 years, especially when it is young. After repotting, wait for the plant to settle in for about 6 weeks before watering it.

Pruning

Schefflera Arboricola needs to be pruned periodically. It is best to prune this plant during the summer months when the plant is growing.

Pests and Diseases

Schefflera Arboricola is susceptible to a number of pests. Plant diseases can also cause damage to this plant. Mite and aphids can cause infections to the plant. Fungal infections affect the plant’s leaves, so the leaves begin to brown and drop off. Leaf spots can also develop on the leaves if there is not enough light.

Fertilizing

Schefflera Arboricola prefers a plant that is fertilized every 2 months. The best fertilizer for this plant is a liquid fertilizer such as blood meal, bone meal or bat guano. You can also use tomato and fish emulsion for seedlings or young plants.

Is Schefflera Arboricola invasive?

The pertinent Schefflera Arboricola is a small, compact shrub that blooms and fruits less frequently in the landscape, making it less invasive. It has smaller leaves and comes in a variegated yellow-green foliage variety.

Schefflera Arboricola can be used in container gardening and made as hedges. Planting it close to a white-flowered, dwarf Schefflera will allow you to enjoy their flowers at the same time. To propagate, remove a small branch and insert it into the soil.

Schefflera Arboricola is a very small, slow growing tree that forms a bush-like arching form. It does not grow to be tall like most trees in the Schefflera genus. The dwarf Schefflera’s ornamental value lies in its appealing foliage and strong air circulation that allows it to survive even in apartments and houses.

Where does Schefflera Arboricola grow?

Dwarf Hawaiian Schefflera plants should be cultivated outdoors in a protected position with bright indirect light and medium-light shade. Outside, dwarf Arboricola trees can take full light but benefit from shade during the intense midday and afternoon sun. It can also tolerate full sun through most parts of its growing season.

The plant tolerates drought and rich, moist soil. Watering once a week is recommended, but overwatering will make the plant grow slowly and weakly. Dwarf Arboricola shrubs should be planted in well-drained, acidic soils with a pH of 5.5 or lower.

This plant can tolerate a wide range of soil types and will do relatively well in all hardiness zones. The dwarf Arboricola shrub can be grown in containers indoors as well, though it will grow best in clay pots, and it is ideal for use as a houseplant.