This post gives you the best Schefflera Amate plant care tips!
If you’re new to houseplants or a seasoned plant lover, the Schefflera Amate (the Umbrella Plant) is a fantastic choice! With its large, glossy green leaves, this tropical beauty is stunning and relatively easy to care for—especially when you understand its needs.Â
My Schefflera houseplants were passed down to me from my Great-Grandma’s funeral. My Grandma propagated the plant over and over and then shared it with our family members. It’s a unique plant with relatively easy care that I have been keeping alive for future generations!
Below is a guide to caring for your Schefflera Amate so it thrives and grows into a stunning indoor plant. Whether you’re growing it in a small space or have large plants, with the proper knowledge, you can enjoy this gorgeous plant for years!
What is a Schefflera Amate?
The Schefflera Amate, also known as the Umbrella Plant (or Schefflera Actinophylla), is a fast-growing tropical plant native to places like New Guinea. It’s known for its large leaves that grow in a rounded form, resembling an umbrella—hence the name. These plants are commonly grown as houseplants because of their beautiful leaf structure and relatively low-maintenance care.
1. Ideal Conditions for Schefflera Amate Care
Bright Indirect Light
Schefflera Amate thrives in bright, indirect sunlight. This means you should place your plant near a window with plenty of natural light, but not directly in the sun’s rays. Exposing it to bright light for too long can get sunburned, leading to leaf spots and damage.Â
Medium Light & Low Light
However, this plant is flexible and can adapt to medium or low light conditions, though its growth rate will slow. If you’re trying to encourage new growth, ensure it gets enough light. Bright indirect light is ideal, but it can also tolerate a bit of a lower light situation as long as it’s not in total darkness. If your plant is placed near north-facing windows, you may need to move it around to find the optimal lighting conditions for it to thrive.
The Importance of Enough Light
A Schefflera Amate’s growth potential increases significantly when given enough light. Inadequate lighting can cause the plant to become leggy, and the leaves may not grow as large or glossy as they should. So, while it can tolerate some lower light, aim for brighter conditions when possible if you want it to flourish.
2. Watering Your Schefflera Amate
Water Requirements & Special Care
Like most indoor plants, the Schefflera Amate does not like to sit in much water. Be sure to plant it in well-draining soil with a drainage hole at the bottom of the pot. This will help avoid excess water, which can cause root rot, a common problem for this plant. Root rot happens when the plant’s roots sit in water for too long, causing them to decay and eventually kill the plant.
I have a particular watering schedule for my Schefflera Amate plants. I added a once-a-week reminder in my phone calendar to water my plants; however, I always check the soil first to see if it’s moist soil. If it’s too wet, I skip watering for a week to give the plant adequate time to drain.
A general rule of thumb is to water your Schefflera plant when the top 1-2 inches of soil are dry. During the growing season (spring and summer), the plant will need more water because it’s actively growing, but its water requirements decrease in the dormant period (fall and winter).Â
If you’re unsure about watering, it’s better to underwater than to overwater. Overwatering can be detrimental to your Schefflera’s health.
My Grandma also advised me to give my plant some extra nutrients by feeding it at least twice a year. I prefer to avoid Miracle Grow because of the chemicals, but have found a great organic alternative. Click here to check it out!
3. Dry Air & Its Effect on Schefflera Amate
Being a tropical plant, the Schefflera Amate thrives in humid conditions. If your home has dry air, especially in the winter, it can cause the plant to develop dry spots or brown tips on its glossy leaves. To combat dry air, consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant to increase humidity. Misting the leaves can also help, but avoid getting the water on the stems, as this could encourage fungal growth.
4. Soil & Potting Tips
Well-Draining Soil
Your Schefflera Amate will thrive in well-drained soil. Make sure you’re using a high-quality potting mix with good drainage—a mix designed for tropical plants or houseplants is perfect. To ensure the soil has great drainage, you can add some perlite or sand to enhance the soil’s aeration.
Pot Size & Drainage Hole
The size of the pot you choose for your Schefflera is essential. If you have a young plant or a smaller Schefflera, choose a smaller pot, but as it grows, be sure to move it to a larger pot to give the roots space to grow. The pot must also have a drainage hole to prevent water from collecting and causing root rot.
Repotting Your Schefflera Amate
When you notice the plant becoming root-bound (its roots filling the pot), it’s time to repot it into a slightly larger container. This will help your Schefflera continue to grow and flourish.
5. Temperature & Humidity
Avoiding Cold Drafts
Schefflera Amate is a tropical plant that doesn’t like cold temperatures. Keep it away from cold drafts, such as those from air conditioners or heaters, as sudden temperature changes can shock the plant. The ideal temperature for your Schefflera is between 60°F and 75°F.Â
Humidity Levels
As mentioned, this plant thrives in humidity, so try to maintain a moderate moisture level in the air. If the air in your home is dry, particularly in winter, consider placing your Schefflera Amate in a more humid environment or use a humidifier nearby.
6. Pests & Problems to Watch For
Common Pests: Spider Mites & Leaf Spot
Even the easiest care plants are susceptible to pests. Keep an eye out for spider mites, which tend to affect tropical plants. These tiny pests leave behind a fine webbing and can cause the leaves to turn yellow. If you notice this, gently wipe down the leaves with a damp cloth or use insecticidal soap. Here is an easy, pleasant smelling spray to keep your plants bug-free:
Another common issue is leaf spot, which can appear as dark spots on the leaves. This is usually a sign of overwatering or a fungal infection. Ensure you’re not watering too much, and check that your plant has good drainage.
Brown Tips
Brown tips on the leaves are a sign that your Schefflera is struggling with something—most commonly, it’s a result of either dry air, overwatering, or inconsistent watering. Adjusting these factors should help prevent this issue.
7. Propagating Your Schefflera Amate
Stem Cuttings & Tip Cuttings
Schefflera Amate is an excellent plant for propagation! You can take stem cuttings or tip cuttings; with the right care, they will root and grow into new, larger plants. To propagate, cut a healthy stem with a few leaves and place it in water or soil. I recommend cutting on an angle just behind a branch. It’s a fun, creative way to grow and share new plants with friends or family!
The Schefflera Amate is an easy-to-care-for, fast-growing plant with beautiful glossy green leaves that can adapt to various lighting conditions. By providing it with enough light (bright, indirect is best), avoiding overwatering, ensuring proper drainage, and keeping it away from cold drafts, you’ll set your Schefflera up for optimal growth.
With its beautiful leaf structure and rounded form, the Schefflera Amate makes a perfect gift or addition to any home. As one of the best plant decor ideas, it’s a plant that will thrive with proper care and provide you with years of enjoyment while also improving the air quality in your home.
