Schefflera Arboricola Care Guide (Umbrella Plant / Dwarf Umbrella Tree)
Commonly known in Chinese as 八方来财 or "Eight-Direction Fortune Plant"
Suitable for indoor growing in Toronto and other temperate climates.
🌿 General Info:
Schefflera arboricola is a popular and easy-care houseplant with lush green foliage. Its leaves resemble the shape of an umbrella or duck’s foot, which is why it’s often called the “umbrella plant.” In Chinese culture, it’s considered a symbol of prosperity.
🌱 Care Instructions:
1) Soil:
Use rich, well-draining potting soil. A mix of peat moss, perlite, and a small amount of garden soil works well. Avoid heavy, compacted soil.
2) Watering:
Keep the soil slightly moist at all times. Do not let the soil dry out completely, but also avoid overwatering, as soggy roots can lead to yellowing leaves or rot.
Reduce watering frequency in winter when temperatures drop.
3) Humidity & Misting:
Schefflera prefers moderate humidity. In dry indoor environments like Toronto (especially during winter heating), mist the leaves once or twice daily to increase humidity and prevent leaf curling or browning.
4) Light & Temperature:
This plant prefers bright, indirect light but can tolerate some gentle direct sunlight.
In summer, it can be moved outdoors to a bright, airy location with filtered sunlight. Avoid strong midday sun which may scorch the leaves.
Bring the plant indoors when temperatures drop below 10°C (50°F); it should be kept above 5°C (41°F) at all times.
5) Ventilation:
Good airflow is important. Avoid placing the plant in enclosed or stagnant corners, which can lead to leaf drop and pest issues.
6) Fertilization:
Apply a balanced liquid fertilizer once a month during the growing season (spring to fall). Use formulas with NPK ratios like 20-20-20 or 10-15-10.
No need to fertilize in winter when growth slows down.
7) Repotting & Pruning:
Young plants can stay in the same pot for 2–3 years if the pot is large enough.
As the plant matures and grows larger, repot every 1–2 years.
Trim off excess or leggy branches and old roots as needed, but avoid heavy pruning. Cutting more than one-third of the foliage at once can stress the plant and may lead to poor regrowth or even dieback.
8) Common Issues:
Black or rotting leaves: Usually caused by overwatering or prolonged low light. Improve drainage and move the plant to a brighter location.
Yellowing and dropping lower leaves: Often a sign of underwatering. Adjust your watering schedule.
🌟 Extra Tips (Optional):
Pests: Keep an eye out for spider mites or aphids. Regular misting and good ventilation help prevent infestations.
Staking & Styling: For tall or top-heavy plants, use stakes or ties to keep the stems upright and attractive.
鸭脚木（Schefflera arboricola）养护指南｜适用于多伦多室内环境
又名：鹅掌柴、八方来财，是非常常见且易养的室内观叶植物。
养护建议：
1）土壤：
使用疏松、肥沃且排水良好的土壤。可以选择通用型室内植物营养土，或自配珍珠岩+泥炭土+少量园土的混合基质。
2）浇水：
保持土壤微湿，不建议完全干透再浇水。浇水应适量，避免盆内积水，否则容易导致根系腐烂和叶片大面积脱落。冬季温度低时应适当减少浇水频率。
3）喷雾保湿：
多伦多室内空气干燥，特别是冬季供暖时。可每天早晚各一次向叶面喷雾，有助于提升湿度，保持叶片健康。
4）光照与温度：
喜明亮散射光，也可适应温和的直射光。
夏季可将盆栽移至室外半阴、通风良好处，促进植株生长，但需避免烈日暴晒。
秋冬气温低于10°C 时应及时移入室内，保持温度不低于5°C。
5）通风：
鸭脚木喜通风环境，忌闷热密闭空间。避免将其长期摆放在不通风的角落，有助于预防黄叶与病虫害。
6）施肥：
生长季（春秋）每月施用一次通用型复合肥，推荐N-P-K比例为20-20-20或10-15-10。冬季停止或减少施肥。
7）换盆与修剪：
植株小、生长缓慢时可每2–3年换盆一次。
成熟植株生长迅速，建议每1–2年换盆一次，同时适度修剪过密或徒长枝条、老根。
修剪时不可过重，避免一次性剪去超过1/3的枝叶，否则可能造成生长停滞甚至植株枯萎。
8）常见问题及处理：
叶片发黑腐烂： 多因长期光照不足或浇水过多造成。应调整光照条件，减少积水。
底部叶片发黄脱落： 通常是缺水信号，及时浇水即可恢复。
（也可能是自然老叶脱落，若新叶健康可不必担心）
✅ 额外建议：
虫害预防： 常见虫害包括红蜘蛛和蚜虫。保持通风、定期检查叶背有助于早发现早处理。
支撑与造型： 高大植株可用竹签支撑并适当造型，使株形更紧凑美观。
Source from chat.openai. Organized and translated by Qiuye. Not for reprint. 不得转载！