In the wild, this schefflera is most commonly found in Taiwanese forests, where it might grow as tall as nine metres. Growing a schefflera on lava or a moss pole looks very elegant and makes it very easy to look after. 

For the Bali on lava, the schefflera’s roots have grown around the lava, a porous stone. As the lava absorbs water from the tray, the plant sucks water from the lava. Try to keep the tray about three-quarters full. If any roots grow down and touch the surface of the water, trim them with scissors. It will stop the plant sucking up too much water and turning yellow.

If you need to move your schefflera, always be sure to lift it by the tray, not the lava rock, to avoid damaging the rock or the plant. Every piece of lava rock is unique, so the one you receive will differ from the one in the pictures. Over time, you may see light white marks or green algae appear on the rock. This can look beautiful, but if you'd rather remove it you can do so by lightly scrubbing with a toothbrush (best not the one you're currently using).

It’s not just lava rocks the plant will grow on. For the schefflera on the moss pole, the roots have attached to the pole to help it climb up. In the wild it can affix itself to the trunks of other trees.