Last Updated on October 20, 2022 by Plant Mom Care
Schefflera Amate is native to New Guinea and Australia where it grows in the shade of rainforest canopies. This fast-growing tropical native can grow to almost 65 feet high in its natural environment, also called the Umbrella plant due to its attractive leaf structure and glossy green leaves that can add a tropical ambiance to any room.
The leaves can grow as wide as 3 – 6 inches and more than 14 inches long and can reach a height of around 10 feet.
The flowers are deep red blooms less than 1 inch in size and are abundant when growing outdoors, while indoor plants rarely bloom.
The overall growth rate is moderate to fast indoors as opposed to its fast growth outdoors. Regular pruning is necessary to keep it under control indoors as it can grow a bit wider.
Schefflera Amate Light Requirements
It thrives under medium to indirect bright light. It can tolerate lower light, but overwatering is heightened if the plant has less access to light and growth slows down.
Rotate the plant occasionally to help the foliage grow evenly and clean the leaves frequently to prevent pests as well as help the plant photosynthesize efficiently
Schefflera Amate Watering
Water the plant thoroughly every 7 days but reduce watering to every 9-14 days during winter. Before watering the plant, check the soil first to see if the first few inches of surface soil are dry.
Like many plants, this plant doesn’t like constantly moist conditions and overwatering can cause root rot, leaf spot, and maybe powdery mildew.
Schefflera Amate Humidity
While this is a typical tropical plant and thrives in high humidity, it can tolerate average indoor humidity. Misting can be a temporary fix to raise humidity but fungal issues can crop up if it is misted excessively.
Keep a humidifier near the plant if the humidity levels are too low as this can make leaf edges brown. Do not expose the plant to cold drafts or air conditioning or heating vents.
Schefflera Amate Temperature
It prefers temperature ranges between 65 – 80°F. If temperatures indoors are comfortable for people, it’ll be comfortable for the plant as well. It can tolerate temperatures of 30°F when growing outdoors.
Schefflera Amate Soil
Regular potting soil will do just fine. You can mix in some perlite or coco coir to help the soil retain moisture and promote good drainage and aeration.
Schefflera Amate Repotting
Large plants are best repotted every 18 to 24 months in spring or summer. Use a vessel about 2 – 4 inches wider to give the plant space to grow as larger pots can drown the roots by retaining too much water.
Heavy pots are best to prevent the plant from toppling over when they become taller. To maintain the present size of the plant, reuse the same pot with fresh soil and trim down the roots and foliage.
Schefflera Amate Propagation
This plant is easy to propagate by cuttings. Take cuttings from the tips of stems and plant them. Keep them moist until roots develop.
Additional Care
Feed this plant once every month from spring to autumn with a diluted balanced fertilizer. Granular slow-releasing fertilizer can also be used instead so the plant won’t need feeding for 6 months or so.
This plant can grow more than 8 feet tall indoors. To control growth and help it maintain a bushier form, prune away new growth tips.
Schefflera Amate Common Problems
It is vulnerable to pest infestation, aphids suck sap, stunting growth and also promoting sooty mold on the plant. Mealybugs appear as white spots on leaves and roots and can kill the plant in severe infestations.
They should be treated as fast as possible. Spider mites are difficult to spot other than the presence of fine webs on leaves and stems. They usually attack the plant in low humidity conditions. Use a spray of neem oil or insecticidal soap to control and eliminate these pests. Repeat this after 2 weeks.
Scale is another pest that can attack and kill the plant in severe cases. Swab the foliage with a cloth soaked with rubbing alcohol.
Pseudomonas leaf blight creates soaking wet spots on the leaves that rapidly lead to leaf drop. The plant will start looking limp and bare. Alternaria leaf spot creates deep, black spots and also causes leaf drop.
The solution to this is to prune away affected leaves and keep the leaves dry.
Brown or black leaves are mostly a sign of overwatering particularly if this happens on new growth.
Brown tips on leaves or leaf edges are usually caused by under-watering or low humidity. Always water the plant properly and make sure humidity levels are not low.
If yellow drooping leaves appear on the plant, this is probably caused by over-watering, reducing watering and only watering the plant when the soil is dry.
If leaves start dropping or shedding, it’s usually related to problems with temperature. Ideal temperatures for this plant should be above 65°F and protect the plant from heating or cooling vents.
If the plant has leggy growth, it is usually because it doesn’t have enough. Keep the plant under an indirect bright light to promote healthy growth.
Is it easy to take care of Schefflera Amate?
This plant isn’t a difficult plant to grow indoors as long as it is provided with lots of indirect light, appropriate temperature, and humidity.
Does Schefflera like full sun or shade?
This plant can adapt to almost any light conditions indoors, but it prefers moderate to indirect bright light; however this plant can handle full sun or full shade when it grows outdoors.
Is Schefflera a good indoor plant?
It is adaptable to almost any growing conditions indoors as long as it has moderate to indirect bright light, sufficient humidity, and appropriate temperatures. It can grow well under artificial lighting, but growth will significantly slow down in low light.
Why is my Schefflera dropping leaves?
If the plant is suffering from leaf drop, the soil might be water-logged, or too dry. Additionally, frequently moving the plant or exposing it to very cold or hot conditions can also lead to leaf drop.
How big do Schefflera plants get?
These plants can grow almost 65 feet high in their natural environment. Indoor plants usually attain heights of 10 feet or less with pruning.
How do you know when the plant is dying?
Improper care or neglect can lead to the decline and perhaps death of the plant. Over-watering, under-watering, insufficient light, pests, and diseases can make the leaves droop, become discolored and drop. Provide it with appropriate care and maintenance to help it thrive and be healthy.