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Australian Umbrella Tree Care Guide
About Australian Umbrella Tree
The Australian Umbrella Tree (Schefflera amate) is a beautiful indoor tree. Its leaves grow in umbrella-like clusters. Native to northern Australia and the islands of New Guinea and Java, the Umbrella Tree is a tropical plant that thrives indoors and can grow outdoors in USDA hardiness zones 10–12.
Umbrella Trees are undemanding and easy to care for. They’re toxic to cats and dogs if ingested, and should be kept out of your pet’s reach. The Schefflera Amate tree symbolizes protection, prosperity, and good luck, and is often used in Feng Shui for attracting positive energy.
Australian Umbrella Tree Benefits
- Stunning tropical foliage
- Filters toxins out of indoor air, improving air quality
- Large and spectacular indoor tree that can grow up to 10 ft. tall
- Luck-bringing tree according to Feng Shui
- Makes an inspiring and unusual gift
Schefflera Amate Care: Growing Tips
Schefflera Amate plant care is easy; this charming indoor plant is adaptable and forgiving. Choose a place with the right lighting and care for it regularly, and it will reward you with a canopy of tropical foliage.
Australian Umbrella Tree: Light Requirements & Temperature
- Light: Medium to bright light is best for the Australian Umbrella Tree. Direct sunlight can scorch its leaves, however.
- Temperature: Moderate room temperatures from 60°F to 75°F are sufficient for this tropical plant.
Australian Umbrella Tree: Watering & Humidity
- Watering: Water when the soil feels dry. The Australian Umbrella Plant dislikes sitting in soggy soil.
- Humidity: Does well in average humidity. An indoor Schefflera Amate may need regular misting or a pebble tray if the air in your home is on the dry side.
Schefflera Amate: Soil, Fertilizer, and Repotting
- Soil: This plant thrives in rich, well-draining soil. Add perlite to enhance drainage.
- Fertilizer: Feed your Schefflera with a balanced liquid fertilizer twice during the growing season.
- Repotting: Repot this fast-growing plant every 2 years into a slightly larger pot.
Australian Umbrella Tree: Propagation
Australian Umbrella Tree propagation is easy. You can grow more plants from stem cuttings placed in water or moist soil.
Australian Umbrella Tree: Problems and Pruning
Schefflera Amate problems include yellowing leaves due to overwatering and stunted or leggy growth if exposed to insufficient light. Low temperatures can cause leaf drop. Trim damaged branches, cutting above a leaf node. Prune your Umbrella Schefflera in the spring to promote bushier growth.
Schefflera Amate: Companion Plants & Placement Options
The gorgeous foliage of the Schefflera Amate plant is decorative and stylish; use this indoor tree to bring a sense of tropical tranquility into your home or office.
Great to Place on
Place your Amate Schefflera plant alone as a highlight floor plant, or combine it with other plants to form a lush indoor oasis. Its love of humidity makes it the ideal bathroom plant, while its soothing greenery will create a calm ambience in a bedroom or living room.
Australian Umbrella Tree Grows Well With
- Majesty Palm: The Majesty Palm stands out with its graceful, arched fronds. This palm tree thrives in medium light and needs regular watering.
- Variegated Peace Lily: The lovely Variegated Peace Lily has vivid green leaves dappled with cream and scented, snowy white flowers.
- Song of India Plant: For a focal-point plant with incredible jungle vibes, look no further than the splendid Song of India Plant; its twisted stems and striped leaves exude an enticing, tropical appeal.