Schefflera Vs. Dwarf Schefflera

Schefflera

• The schefflera, or Brassaia actinophylla, is sometimes referred to as the umbrella tree and is a tropical plant popular as an indoor floor plant. The schefflera can grow to a height of up to 40 feet outdoors and 10 feet indoors, according to the Florida State University IFAS Extension. Native to Australia, the plant has green, glossy leaves that are typically between 5 and 10 inches in length. The plant can grow in full or partial sunlight.

Dwarf Schefflera

• The dwarf schefflera, or schefflera arboricola, is also a tropical evergreen shrub. This plant typically grows to a height of between 10 and 15 feet, with a width ranging between 6 and 15 feet. It has green flowers and produces round, fleshy orange fruit less than 1/2-inch in length. The plant thrives both indoors and out in full or partial sun and grows best in sandy, well-drained soils.

Care

• Both varieties of schefflera are tropical plants that require moderate amounts of water and thrive in a variety of lighting conditions. Both plants do best in sandy soils that should generally be kept dry and not moist. Dwarf schefflera grown indoors may develop scale or spider mites, but outdoor pests are typically not a problem for either plant nor are diseases.

Schefflera Bonsai

• Both types of schefflera plants can be used as bonsai plants. Both plants have compound leaves, with several independent leaves growing from a single plant stem. This structure makes it difficult to grow very small bonsai plants, though the dwarf schefflera can be used for a smaller plant. Both varieties will grow aerial root systems, making the schefflera a good plant to grow a banyan tree-type bonsai plant.