Light: Schefflera prefers bright to moderate indirect light. If the plant is not receiving enough light, the schefflera will become leggy, stretching towards the light, and may turn yellow. The more bright light it receives, the more leaves it will develop.


Water: Water well, but allow the top few inches of the soil to dry out between waterings, but do not allow it to stay dry for too long. Once it has dried down, give it a good thorough watering. Do not allow your plant to sit in water. Yellow/drooping leaves may indicate over watering. 


Environment: Schefflera houseplants prefer temperatures 65–80 degrees F. They do not do well in temperatures below 55 degrees F, so keep away from cold drafts and heaters. Humidity is desirable; if the air is very dry, place your plant on a tray of pebbles and water to increase the humidity or consider getting a humidifier. 


Toxicity: Reported to be toxic to cats and dogs.


Of Note:

  • Fertilize a schefflera monthly in the spring and summer when it is actively growing with a basic houseplant food diluted to half the recommended strength. During the fall and winter, feed schefflera plants every other month, but only if the plant is producing new leaves.
  • If your plant loses its bottom leaves or becomes leggy, don't be afraid to prune the plant. When cutting back the thick stems or trunks of a schefflera, make the cut just above a plant node. New growth should develop from the node.
    *When planting in a pot without a drainage hole, avoid overwatering by estimating 25% of the container’s overall volume, with appropriate drainage materials incorporated when planting.