The Schefflera genus is named after Johann Peter Ernst von Scheffler, an 18th-century German botanist and physicist, while the common name 'umbrella plant' refers to their leaves, which fan out at the top of long stems. Schefflera arboricola is native to Taiwan and China, but is tender in the UK, where it's grown as a house plant. It can reach up to 3m, making it a good choice for a feature in the corner of a room, although there are compact varieties available, growing to 1.5m.
Schefflera arboricola is a good choice for a beginner, because it's low-maintenance, requiring water only when the top few inches of compost have dried out. Cut down on watering in winter. This plant can be grown in partial shade, but does best in bright, indirect light, in a room where the temperature won't fall below 12ºC. Mist every so often to increase humidity.
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Advice on buying Schefflera arboricola
Check the botanical name before buying as Schefflera arboricola has a close relation, Schefflera actinophylla (Australian umbrella plant), which has larger leaves
Always check plants for signs of damage or disease before planting. Umbrella plants are susceptible to red spider mite, mealybugs and scale insects
