Umbrella Plant

The Umbrella Plant (Schefflera or Heptapleurum) is another houseplant that goes by many names including the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, Parasol Plant and Octopus Tree.

Of the many species in the Scheffler genus, two are common houseplants:

• Schefflera actinophylla: The most common Schefflera, it has oval leaves that grow up to 10 inches from a central stalk. It can be quite a large 50-foot specimen outdoors, but indoor potted specimens usually top out at 15 feet. This species tends to have more all green varieties and even when there is variegation it’s slight and subtle.
• Schefflera arboricola: This smaller version, popular in home gardens, has 1- to 2-inch leaves that grow in tight clusters; it is a variegated variety of this plant, with creamy blotches on its leaves. It can grow as high as 25 feet outdoors, but houseplants are normally kept to no more than 6 feet.