How to Grow and Care for Schefflera

Dwarf umbrella tree (*Schefflera arboricola*) is an evergreen, multi-stemmed shrub native to China. It is commonly grown as a houseplant or a garden plant in milder climates for its decorative palmate compound leaves. The leaves contain calcium oxalates, which can damage internal organs when ingested. It shouldn't be confused with the Australian umbrella tree, *Schefflera actinophylla*.

The octopus tree is a large evergreen tree known for its distinctive drooping leaves. These leaves have earned it the nicknames "octopus tree" and "Australian umbrella tree." It is native to the Queensland area of Australia. Its root system is aggressive, however, so it can become invasive and choke out other species.

Seven-finger Pate Tree is the only species of the Schefflera genus that naturally grows in New Zealand. This small tree occurs at the elevation of 1200 m or higher. It's a low-maintenance plant, often used as a houseplant or a garden plant in warmer climates.

Ivy tree is also commonly known as umbrella plant, because of the shape of its foliage. These types of plants are low maintenance and can be grown with minimum effort and care. Ivy tree does not usually grow flowers, but is grown for its greenery in both indoor and outdoor settings.

A shrub/small tree relative of the umbrella plant and dwarf umbrella, octopus tree similarly has clusters of broad leaves and a spreading growth habit. It grows as an understory plant in low and mid-altitude tropical rainforests. Like many Schefflera species, it is an important host for the caterpillars of local butterfly species.