Dwarf Umbrella Tree Schefflera arboricola, 6"

Quick Description

The Dwarf Umbrella Tree 'Moondrop' is a delightfully petite plant, in the classic umbrella-like shape, with mesmerizing leaves.

Key Information and Plant Overview

• Binomial Name: Schefflera arboricola ‘Moondrop’
• Care Level: Easy
• Light: Bright indirect
• Water: Allow the top 2” of the soil to dry
• Pet Friendly: No

The Dwarf Umbrella Tree 'Moondrop' is a delightfully petite plant, in the classic umbrella-like shape, with mesmerizing leaves. The 'Moondrop' variety of Dwarf Umbrella Trees, has beautiful patches of white variegation that edge each leaf. The contrast of dark green leaves, white variegation, and the occasional leaves emerging entirely white, makes this 'Moondrop' an eye-catching indoor tree.

Native to Taiwan and Hainan, this petite evergreen shrub stays much smaller than some other varieties of the Schefflera genus. With its upright but full growth habit, the 'Moondrop' can grow up to 3 to 4 feet indoors. This easy to care for plant likes medium to bright indirect light and temperatures between 15°C to 21°C ( 59°F to 70°F ). The Dwarf Umbrella Tree 'Moondrop' is a delightfully petite plant with mesmerizing leaves in the classic umbrella shape.

PlantX Top Tip: The Schefflera is an easy plant to propagate. Simply cut at a node, place in water, and watch as the roots grow!

How to Care for Dwarf Umbrella Tree 'Moondrop'

• Light: Bright indirect to medium light.
• Water: Allow the top 2” of the soil to dry in between watering
• Humidity: Average relative humidity of 25% to 49%
• Temperature: Average from 18°C to 24°C (65°F - 75°F)
• Fertilizer: Follow a monthly fertilizing schedule when the plant is actively growing. In most cases, this is in the spring and summer. Use a balanced fertilizer - this means a ratio of NPK that is all the same. Ex: 10-10-10.
• Soil: Use a well-draining, high organic matter soil mix.
• Propagation: Stem cuttings
• Repotting: This can be done every 12-18 months. Choose a pot that is 2” larger in diameter than the original pot.
• Cleaning Tip: Gently wash the leaves of dust and debris with a showerhead and remove any dead or dying foliage.
• Toxicity: Toxic

Dwarf Umbrella Tree 'Moondrop'- Common Problems

My plant's leaves are browning: As the plant matures, it is natural for some foliage to turn brown and wither away. If this is a more severe issue, lack of light might be the culprit. Move your plant into a spot that has a lot of bright indirect light.

The leaves are yellowing: Leaves turning yellow is an indication that the plant is being overwatered or has a pest issue. Clean the plant leaves and check the soil conditions. If the soil is saturated we suggest gently removing the plant from the pot and inspecting the roots. Brown/black mushy roots are an indication of root rot.

The leaves are becoming dry and crispy: Dry crispy leaves often indicate that the plant is not receiving enough water on a regular basis. The soil should be evenly moist but never soaking wet. Check your plant every 5 to 7 days during the growing season to see if it requires watering. In the winter months reduce this to every 7 to 10 days.

Signs of Overwatering: New growth becomes soft and brown and the leaves begin to drop.

Common Pests: Scale, spider mites, and aphids

Frequently Asked Questions

How to prune my plant? Pruning your Dwarf Umbrella Tree 'Moondrop' is simple, start with clean garden shears and make cuts just above the spot where the next leaf down is attached. When your plant is overgrown or leggy, pruning will help the plant get even fuller and lusher.

Will my plant get flowers? As a houseplant, it is uncommon for a Dwarf Umbrella Tree to have flowers. When the Dwarf Umbrella Tree is grown in a warmer climate, it can produce bright red flowers like tentacles growing above the foliage on long stems.

How to Propagate my Dwarf Umbrella Tree 'Moondrop'? When growth is strongest, take cuttings in the spring and summer, start by cutting the entire stem near the base. Then dip the last half-inch in rooting hormone and place the cutting into a pot with a well-drained potting mix. Cover the pot with a loose plastic bag to help the humidity, and keep it in indirect light and temperatures around 21°C ( 70°F ).