Light Requirements
Medium to bright indirect light. Schefflera Arbicola can become leggy if they don’t receive enough light. Avoid direct sunlight as that can burn the leaves.
Don’t know what kind of light you have? Click here.
Water Requirements
Allow the pot to completely dry out in between waterings. Once the soil is dry, completely soak the soil, allowing excess water to flow out of the drainage holes. Many plant parents will take their Schefflera Arbicola into the shower to allow the plant to drain without ruining surfaces or flooring. Watering your Schefflera Arbicola in the shower also allows for you to rinse the leaves. This helps avoid pests.
Overwatering is a common cause of death for this houseplant. Avoid overwatering.
Humidity
Normal to high. Schefflera Arbicola is a tropical plant and does best in higher humidity and temperatures above 60 degrees F.
Potting & Repotting
Schefflera Arbicola can be
Fertilizing
Schefflera Arbicola are heavy feeders. If you choose to fertilize, use a half-strength liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season and apply to the soil. Do not put fertilizer on the plant leaves as that can cause the plant leaves to burn. Withhold from fertilizing during the winter.
Additional Care
Schefflera Arbicola can be moved outside during the warmer months. They can thrive if placed in a shady location and the temperatures do not fall below 60 degrees F.
How do I know what kind of light I have?
Low Light
A room with low light should be bright enough in which you can comfortably read a book. If the room is too dark to read a book, we do not recommend placing a plant in this area. Low light areas include rooms with a north-facing window, foyers, small bathrooms, office spaces, and rooms where there is not enough sunlight but is plenty of fluorescent light throughout the day.
Medium Light
A room with east or west facing windows that receives indirect or filtered sunlight throughout the day. This room might receive direct sun in the mornings or afternoons. A plant that requires medium light can flourish 5-10 feet away from a south-facing window, making sure direct sunlight does not hit the plant.
Bright Light
A room with south or south-west facing windows that receives direct sunlight for a large portion of the day. Direct sun in a bright light room can burn the leaves of your plants. It is best to place a sheer curtain over the window to diffuse the light or keep the plants a few feet away from the window.