Umbrella Plant

Although umbrella plants do best in bright, indirect light, they can usually tolerate direct indoor light and will just grow more slowly and become leggy in medium-to-low light. Humidity is generally not a concern, but the plants can be more susceptible to pests like scale and spider mites if the air is too dry.

Indoors, umbrella plants prefer temperatures of 55°F to 75°F (13°C to 24°C). They can be grown outdoors year-round in USDA zones 10-11. Schefflera actinophylla is an aggressive grower and is considered an invasive species in Florida and Hawaii, so check local restrictions before planting outdoors.

Like most houseplants, umbrella plants need good drainage so that excess moisture in the soil doesn’t lead to death by root rot. Plant in a pot with a drainage hole, ideally in a peat-moss-based potting mix. Repot every few years in the spring.