Schefflera arboricola – Braided Elf Schefflera –

Description

Schefflera arboricola Interior S. arboricola – Heptapleurum arboricolum – Dwarf Umbrella Tree – Hawaiin Elf Schefflera – This upright, hairless shrub is endemic to Taiwan, and is commonly seen as a houseplant, in the wild it can grow 6-20′ feet tall and 3-8′ wide. It produces leaves, 4-8″ long, each divided into 7-11 egg shaped, stalked, short pointed, semi glossy, bright green leaflets, to 4 ½” long. Leaves of juvenile plants have short, broadly spaced teeth. In summer, it bears upright terminal compound panicles, to 12″ long, of red flowers, these are followed by ovoid golden fruit, to 1/4″ long, becoming black with age. Variegated forms are available. Indoors, grow in soil based potting mix in bright filtered or indirect light. During the growing season, water moderately and apply a balanced liquid fertilizer monthly, keep just moist in winter. Zones 11-12