Schefflera 001

General:

• Prefers bright indirect light

• Prefers aerated and well-draining potting mix

• Toxic to humans and pets

Watering:

• Water when potting mix has almost completely dried out

• Water thoroughly until potting mix is saturated

• Fully drain excess water

Other:

• Fertilize lightly once or twice a year

• Re-pot every year or two in spring or summer

• Prune occasionally to control shape and size

• Keep away from cold drafts and heat vents

TIMELINE

Aug 6/20: Say hello to Schefflera 001! This particular variety is the Schefflera arboricola, which is also commonly known as a dwarf umbrella tree. I’ve seen a these plants here and there, but due to my one-plant-per-store-visit rule, I’ve always chosen a different plant instead of this one. I’m not sure why it took me so long to pick one up because this is such a sweet little plant. I’m so glad I waited because this one is just so darn cute and it was a terrific price.

I repotted this plant into a 4-inch clay pot as soon as I got it home because its 3.5-inch nursery pot seemed a bit small. I was also worried about this plant as I saw a few bumps close to the soil that I initially thought were scale insects. I scratched them all off, but now I think they were just natural parts of the stems! I checked this plant verrry carefully and the bumps were only on the lower part of the thicker, woody stems (not on the upper stems, leaves, or new growth).

Can we just admire the leaves for a moment? I love how they grow in a circular formation, like leafy green flower petals. Unlike the other plants I brought home, I did have a couple of leaves drop in the first day when I was cleaning the plant but it seems to have acclimated well otherwise. The leaves had a lot of waxy build-up, which I wiped off — or rather scraped off with my nail. :)

Aug 20/20: Schefflera 001 has the cutest new leaf. I’m tempted to set up a time lapse but I still haven’t put together the one of ZZ Plant 001. I’ve read that dwarf umbrella trees grow rather quickly so maybe I’ll get another chance soon(ish).