One of the more adaptable, forgiving houseplant genera, but it still reacts to sudden change (temperature swings, draughts, being moved around the house) with leaf drop — keep conditions stable and avoid moving it often; it settles in and performs very well long-term once established.
Care
Tolerates some direct sun and fairly low light too — one of the more adaptable houseplant genera.
Let the top of the compost dry out between waterings; more tolerant of occasional neglect than most houseplants.
Free-draining, peat-free houseplant compost.
Pinch out to encourage bushy growth and control height, otherwise it grows tall with bare lower stems; tolerates hard cutting back well if it gets leggy.
A balanced feed monthly through the growing season. Leggy, stretched growth is a light problem rather than a feeding one — more fertiliser in a dark corner just makes the stretch worse.
Tip cuttings in summer with bottom heat, or air layering on a plant that has grown tall and bare at the base. Cutting the main stem back also forces the side shoots that make it bushy again.
Month by month
Months change with the climate: in southern Italy tomatoes go out two months earlier than in England.
- MarchFeed as growth resumes. how ›
- AprilPinch growing tips to encourage branching, or cut back hard if leggy. how ›
- OctoberReduce watering frequency as growth slows into autumn/winter. how ›
Months based on climate: UK. Your choice stays on this device.
- MarchFeed as growth resumes. how ›
- AprilPinch growing tips to encourage branching, or cut back hard if leggy. how ›
- OctoberReduce watering frequency as growth slows into autumn/winter. how ›
Months based on climate: Northern Italy. Your choice stays on this device.
Common problems
How to spot it. Usually after a sudden temperature change, a cold draught, or overwatering.
What to do. A classic reaction to being moved or to cold draughts more than to dryness — keep conditions stable.
How to spot it. From insufficient light or a lack of pinching.
What to do. Increase light and pinch out regularly to encourage branching.
How to spot it. Common on this genus.
What to do. Treat if noticed.
Questions
Schefflera: is it hardy?
H1c: Tender, needs above 5°C. It survives above 5 °C.
Can it grow in a pot?
A robust, classic houseplant; does well in a large pot as a feature specimen.
Schefflera: when do you prune it?
Pinch out to encourage bushy growth and control height, otherwise it grows tall with bare lower stems; tolerates hard cutting back well if it gets leggy. In the calendar for UK, pruning falls in April.
When do you feed it?
A balanced feed monthly through the growing season. Leggy, stretched growth is a light problem rather than a feeding one — more fertiliser in a dark corner just makes the stretch worse. Feeding months, UK: April–September.