Miniature umbrella tree (Heptapleurum arboricola) — identification, habitat & look-alikes

Miniature umbrella tree is an evergreen shrub commonly grown as a houseplant in the United States. Each glossy leaf has about 7–9 oval leaflets spreading from one point like umbrella ribs. It is also widely called dwarf umbrella tree or dwarf schefflera.

Appearance

Growth form: This evergreen shrub is usually about 4–6 ft (1.2–1.8 m) tall in a container.
Leaves: Each glossy leaf has about 7–9 oval leaflets spreading from one point.
Flowers: Small red flowers may appear outdoors, but indoor plants rarely bloom.

Look-alikes

Umbrella treeHeptapleurum actinophyllum

Both have umbrella-like leaves. Umbrella tree grows into a much larger tree and can bear long, showy red flower spikes; miniature umbrella tree stays smaller in pots. Young plants can be hard to separate in a close leaf photo.

Why they get mixed upBoth are sold as umbrella plants.

Where it lives

Typical habitats: Indoor pots
Outdoor plantings in South Florida
Range: Native to Taiwan and Hainan, it is grown indoors across the United States and outdoors in warm places such as South Florida.
Preferred conditions: It grows best in filtered light and soil that drains well. Outdoors, it can grow in 9b–12b.

Growing it

Propagation: Stem cuttings can grow into new plants.
Toxicity: Chewing the leaves can irritate the mouths of dogs and cats; the sap can irritate sensitive skin.

Name and classification

About the name: Many plant labels still use Schefflera arboricola, an earlier name for this species.
Varieties and forms: Varieties with green leaves or cream or yellow patterns are grown as houseplants.

Conservation

IUCN Red List: NENot EvaluatedNot yet assessed

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