Schefflera's glossy leaflets radiate outward from a central point like the spokes of an umbrella, giving it the enduring nickname "umbrella plant" and a naturally lush, tree-like presence indoors.
Native to Taiwan and other parts of tropical Asia and the Pacific, schefflera grows quickly into a substantial indoor tree, and its tolerance for typical indoor conditions has made it a mainstay of office lobbies and living rooms alike.
Schefflera wants bright, indirect light and to dry out somewhat between waterings. Its fast growth means it benefits from occasional pruning to control height and encourage a fuller, bushier shape rather than a single leggy stem.
Rotating schefflera a quarter turn every week or two keeps its umbrella-shaped canopy growing evenly toward the light rather than lopsided.
