Moondrop Plant 101: Everything you Need to Know

Schefflera Arboricola Moondrop is a variegated cultivar of the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, called for its glossy and palmate leaves.

The palm-like leaves of Schefflera, named after the 19th-century German botanist J.C. Scheffler, form an umbrella-shaped rosette. The popular names “umbrella plant,” “Schefflera,” and “octopus tree” can refer to two distinct but related species: Schefflera Arboricola and Schefflera actinophylla. Don’t mix it with Cyperus, which is a different variety of Umbrella Plant entirely.

Because of the beauty of its leaves and its tenacity, Schefflera is one of the shrubs that is most commonly encountered as an indoor plant. It is valued not only for its aesthetic qualities but also for its very adaptable survival features, which allow it to flourish in the most diverse surroundings of our homes, apartments, and offices.

Image of a grown moondrop plant. Note the bright color in the center of the leaves which is unique to this plant.
Image of a grown moondrop plant. Note the bright color in the center of the leaves which is unique to this plant. Source: Photo by David J. Stang

The moondrop plant is also commonly seen in workplace environments due to its carefree growth and ability to live even when people neglect it. Aside from its attractive look, Schefflera also works well as an air freshener. The leaves not only emit oxygen but also absorb contaminants like benzene and formaldehyde. Growing this plant is simple if you keep a few things in mind.

In China, the umbrella tree (moondrop plant) is one of the most often utilized plants in Feng Shui, also known as house acupuncture. Positive energy is captured by the leaf fingers, and the plant is supposed to attract riches for the occupants. The way the fingers droop gently from the stem resembles an umbrella, giving it a protecting aspect.

What is a Moondrop Plant? An Overview

Dwarf Umbrella Tree is another name for the umbrella plant. This is an evergreen shrub that is native to Taiwan. It is hardy in USDA zones 10–12. It barely grows to 8 – 10 feet when grown in a container indoors. The unique leaves of the plants give rise to the name “umbrella.” Instead of lining the branches, the leaves are grouped at the ends of the stems like the ribs of an umbrella. Smaller plants have 3 to 5 leaves on each stem; however, older, bigger plants might have up to 12 leaves on each stem.

Types of Moondrop Plant

  • Schefflera Actinophylla: The most common Schefflera has oval leaves that can grow up to 10 inches in length from a central stem. Outdoors, it may grow to be a 50-foot specimen, although indoor potted examples are generally no taller than 15 feet.
  • Schefflera Arboricola: This smaller variant, popular in-home gardens, has 1- to 2-inch leaves that grow in dense clusters; it is a variegated variation with creamy spots on its leaves. Outside, it may reach a height of 25 feet, but indoors, it is usually restricted to a height of no more than 6 feet. Popular varieties include “Dazzle,” a variegated plant with practically white leaves; “Gold Capella,” a yellow and green variegated plant; “Trinette,” a white and cream variegated plant; and “Dwarf,” which has dark green leaves and grows to approximately 4 feet tall.
  • Schefflera Amate: This is a large variant that has gained high popularity in recent years. Learn more about The Schefflera Amate and how to take care.

Is the Moondrop Plant Poisonous for Pets?

Moondrop plants are toxic, which is why they are rarely cultivated in houses. They are lethal if ingested by pets or children. Calcium oxalate crystals can be seen in the leaves. The body cannot dissolve these crystals. Because they are crystals, they have sharp edges that inflict tissue and organ harm when consumed. Poisoning symptoms include tongue and lip swelling, drooling, diarrhea, vomiting, and cardiac arrhythmia. It grows best in houses with just adults and no pets. If you have pets, do not keep an umbrella plant in your house, or have a look at our guide about How To Stop Cats From Eating Plants?

Caring for the Umbrella Plants

The moondrop plant is rather easy to take care for. One of the most common mistakes people do is to overwater the plant, which causes root rot. An easy solution to the problem is to use a plant pot that allows for excess water to leave the soil instead of accumulating. Let’s have a closer look at how to care for the moondrop plant.

Soil

Plant Schefflera in a thick, loose potting medium that has been moistened with compost. It is best to grow on a well-draining, sandy loam soil with a slightly acidic pH. Planting in an outdoor setting where the soil becomes too damp or soggy is not recommended.

Light and Temperature

Although umbrella plants thrive in bright, indirect light, they can typically take direct indoor light and will only grow slowly and lanky in medium-to-low light. Humidity is normally not an issue, but if the air is excessively dry (lower than 25%), the plants are more susceptible to pests such as scale and spider mites.

Umbrella plants prefer temperatures ranging from 55°F to 75°F (13°C to 24°C) indoors. They may be cultivated outside all year in USDA zones 10-11. The pH level should be somewhat acidic, ranging between 6.0 and 6.5. This value may be changed by adding more or less arable soil mixed with clay. If all of this sounds too complicated, Schefflera may also be grown in hydroponics.

Fertilizers

From spring until autumn, fertilize the Schefflera to supply it with the nutrition it needs. Once or twice a week, a routinely dosed fertilizer is used for this purpose. This might be a liquid fertilizer put to irrigation water, a commercially available fertilizer for green plants or flowers, or specific fertilizer rods or organic fertilizers, such as horn shavings. Fertilizer is not required for the following eight weeks if the plant has just been reported.

Water

During the growth season, water regularly and spray the leaves often. You can wait until the dirt in the container dries up before watering it fully. Reduce your water consumption throughout the winter. Overwatering a Schefflera plant is common, and it will eventually kill it. Yellow and fallen leaves indicate that you may be overwatering.

How to Propagate a Moondrop Plant?

There are several methods for propagating a Schefflera plant. You can utilize seeds, as well as leaf and stem cuttings. If the circumstances are favorable, roots should occur rather rapidly, especially using the cuttings approach.

Choose leaves that are healthy and vigorous for multiplication. Keep the leafstalk because this is the portion of the leaf from which roots grow. Place the leaf one centimeter into the earth after removing it from the mother plant, and it will rapidly take root.

Cuttings should be 4-6 inches long and taken between late spring and early summer, just below a knot. Plant the cutting 13 to 12 inches long in soil and maintain it in indirect light.

Fertilize the young plants after they reach a height of around 10 cm.

Don’t forget to check out our post about Umbrella plant propagation: where to cut the plant? for more information.

How to Grow Umbrella Plants Outside?

If you reside in a tropical climate, you will be able to grow your umbrella plant outside all year. If the plants receive afternoon shade, they may flourish in bright sunlight. They thrive in mild shade. Yellowed leaves will develop from being exposed to direct sunlight all day. Grow your umbrella plant in well-drained soil. Root rot will occur in soil that is consistently damp. Despite their reputation as heavy feeders, when grown outdoors, the only fertilizer required is a thick coating of compost in the spring. Make sure to leave enough space for it. It may reach a height of 10 – 15 feet and a diameter of 10 feet.

How to Grow Umbrella Plants Inside?

Most of us cultivate moondrop plants in pots inside the house. We only leave them outside in the summer when the nighttime temperatures exceed 60 degrees Fahrenheit (15 degrees Celsius). When putting your indoor plant outside, keep it out of direct sunlight. It is accustomed to the dark light of your house and is unable to adjust to the bright sunlight outside. Place it in a shaded part of your yard or on your patio. Indoors, indirect lighting is preferable.

Repotting Schefflera Arboricola

Schefflera Arboricola must be reported on a regular basis. This happens every 2-3 years. When the pot is deeply rooted and roots are already sprouting, the substrate collapses, or the growth is simply unpleasant, it is time to report. After wintering, the optimal time for repotting is in early April.

Remove the plant from its pot with care first. After that, the old substrate is carefully removed. The new pot should be a smidgeon larger than the old one. To ensure that surplus water drains effectively, gritty gravel is put on the bottom of the pot.

To separate gravel and dirt, a fleece is draped over the drainage. After that, the new substrate is laid on top. Fill the pot with dirt once you’ve placed the plant, tamp it down gently, and water it thoroughly.

Pest and Diseases

Moondrop plants are seldom plagued by pests or disease, but it does happen on occasion. The most prevalent pests that attack Schefflera plants are spider mites and mealybugs. In minor infestations, cleaning the plant with water and soap can usually get rid of the bugs.

Also, keep in mind that pests are more likely to attack this plant when it is stressed. If your Schefflera has pests, it is most likely because it is receiving either too little or too much light. Root rot is the most frequent disease that affects Schefflera. Overwatering and inadequate drainage in the soil cause this illness.