Heptapleurum arboricola
شفلرا آربوریکا، · Dwarf umbrella-tree · Umbrella tree
Description
Source: leafsnapHeptapleurum arboricola (syn. Schefflera arboricola, Chinese: 鹅掌藤; pinyin: ézhǎng téng; lit. 'goose-sole vine') is a flowering plant in the family Araliaceae, native to Taiwan and Hainan Province, China. Its common name is dwarf umbrella tree, as it resembles a smaller version of the umbrella tree, Heptapleurum actinophyllum.
🌳 The dwarf umbrella tree, commonly kept in homes, quietly purifies the air we breathe. Studies, including research by NASA, show it can remove toxins such as benzene and formaldehyde. Besides its air-cleaning effects, the dwarf umbrella tree produces essential oils with calming properties, although this use is not widely practiced.
🎭 Good fortune, wealth, and harmony with the natural world
Care Guide
💧 Water
☀️ Light Partial sun
The dwarf umbrella tree does best with moderate daily sun exposure and can tolerate both fully lit and completely shaded conditions. It comes from habitats where light levels fluctuate. However, a lack of light can stunt its growth, while too much exposure may dry it out.
🌡️ Temperature 20–37.8°C
The dwarf umbrella tree comes from warm areas and prefers temperatures of 68 to 100 ℉ (20 to 38 ℃) during its growing period. In winter, it can tolerate cooler conditions of 50 to 60 ℉ (10 to 16 ℃). To accommodate seasonal temperature differences, it is recommended to keep the plant in a warm, bright spot in summer and move it to a cooler place in winter.
💨 Humidity normal (40-60%)
This plant will thrive in moderate humidity, which is probably the level in your home. However, misting it a few times a week can be very beneficial. Make sure the room has good ventilation.
🪴 Soil 6-6
🌱 Fertilizer
Fertilization is essential for the care of the Dwarf umbrella tree. Regular feeding during the growing season maintains the energy for its showy leaves and supports overall growth. Neglecting fertilization can lead to unhealthy foliage, reduced ornamental value, and stunted or weak growth that is prone to breakage.
🪴 Pot & Repot 2-3 years
When repotting a dwarf umbrella tree, select a pot 1–2 inches (2.5–5.1 cm) larger with adequate drainage. Use a well-draining potting mix. Repot in spring or fall, making sure the root ball sits slightly lower than the rim of the flower pot. Water thoroughly after repotting and place it in a warm spot with indirect sunlight.
✂️ Pruning
🌿 Propagating
🐛 Diseases & pets
☠️ Toxicity
Characteristics
- Plant Type
- Shrub
- Life Cycle
- Perennial
- Genus
- Heptapleurum
- Family
- Araliaceae
- Hardiness Zone
- 9-12
- Mature Height
- 2.13 m to 9.14 m
- Mature Spread
- 1.22 m to 2.44 m
- Leaf Color
- Green
- Leaf Type
- Evergreen
- Flower Color
- Yellow, White, Red, Green
- Flower Size
- 0.51 cm to 1.02 cm
- Bloom Time
- Mid summer, Late summer
- Planting Time
- Spring, Summer, Autumn, Winter
- Harvest Time
- Mid summer, Late summer, Early fall