Complete guide to schefflera care

Schefflera, also known as the umbrella tree, is a popular houseplant for its lush foliage and easy care. Bali, our schefflera, comes attached to a moss pole or their own lava rock. Here's the lowdown on schefflera care:

• Let the rock tray or soil dry out completely before topping up with water
• If your schefflera is growing on a lava rock, trim any roots that touch the water
• A schefflera will be happiest in bright, indirect light, but will tolerate a little shade
• Spritz your schefflera with a mister every few days

In the wild, this schefflera is most commonly found in Taiwanese forests, where it might grow as tall as nine metres. But don't worry, your houseplant won't get quite that big. Instead, growing a schefflera on lava or a moss pole looks very elegant and makes it very easy to look after.

Schefflera plants prefer bright, indirect light, but they'll tolerate semi-shade. Avoid direct sunlight, which can cause the leaves to scorch.

Water your schefflera on a moss pole when the top inch of soil is dry. Allow the excess water to drain from the pot before returning it to its saucer. If you schefflera is attached to a lava rock, let the tray dry out and then top it up so it's about three-quarters full. It's actually the lava that absorbs water from the tray, not the plant. The plant's roots then absorb water from the lava rock. If you spot any roots touching the tray in the water, trim them back. This will stop your plant from sucking up too much water.

Feed your schefflera every two weeks during the spring and summer, its growing season, with a balanced liquid fertiliser.

Schefflera plants prefer temperatures between 18-24°C. Keep yours away from cold draughts. It will love somewhere warm and steamy, like a kitchen or a bathroom.

Prune your schefflera as needed to keep it looking tidy. Remove any dead or damaged leaves and stems.

If your schefflera is growing on lava, you just need to keep pruning and trimming it as it goes, it won't need repotting. For a schefflera growing on a moss pole, you can repot your schefflera every two to three years, or when it outgrows its current pot. If your schefflera has roots growing out of its nursery pot, it's probably time to repot.

Watch for signs of pests, like aphids, mealybugs, scale, and spider mites. Treat with an insecticidal soap or horticultural oil and regularly clean your plant with a damp cloth.

Following these care tips will help keep your schefflera looking its best. With proper care, your schefflera can provide years of lush, tropical foliage.