Time to Defoliate

In summer the dwarf Schefflera 
can handle radical pruning
 and come back strongly

Dwarf Umbrella Tree  

Hawaiian Schefflera

Schefflera arboricola

sheff-LEER-ruh

ar-bore-rick-KOLE-luh

A month after hard pruning

Schefflera arboricola
tolerance of neglect

A robust tree that does well both indoors and out and can adjust to a wide range of indoor conditions; it's not winter hardy outdoors in cold climates. 

Umbrella Tree

The Schefflera develops a rough wood-like trunk and branches that make it ideal for bonsai cultivation. The roots on a mature Dwarf Umbrella Bonsai give the effect of a banyan tree – and the style is called – Banyan.

2011 schefflera arboricola

1992 schefflera arboricola

Shefflera like slightly moist soil, but do not allow the soil to dry out can handle some under watering. But over-water it and rot the roots and kill the plant. Provide even, consistent watering. When one does water, water thoroughly. Rinse off any dust from the leaves. In winter water the plant sparingly as the plant requires less water because the tree is resting. Yellow, falling leaves is often the result of too much water. When kept indoors or under cool conditions, Schefflera arboricola does not like "wet feet"! Let it dry out and water less in the future. Empty that saucer! Out in the good old summertime the tree will quickly use any water in a tray, but too much direct sun may cause the leaves to yellow.

Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai Tree

Can tolerate low light, but grows more strongly with high light but, the more light, the more compact the stronger the growth. If Shefflera gets thin, long and leggy- It is not getting enough light. Move it to a brighter spot.

Shefflera are tropical trees and prefer to be above 55F but must be kept above freezing. Shefflera appreciate being outdoors in summer. They prefer to be where it is warmer. When the AC comes on it is time for their summer vacation- fresh air, sunlight, strong healthy growth. Fertilize during this period of active growth.

schefflera arboricola 
 in suiban

Under very high humidity conditions Schefflera will produce aerial roots that, when they reach the ground, will convert to fully functional roots. Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai Tree has interesting aerial banyan roots. The roots on a mature Dwarf Umbrella Bonsai give the effect of a banyan tree. Aerial roots on some of the tree species of Ficus and Schefflera continue to grow until they touch the ground and get entrenched. Initially, they draw moisture and nutrients from the air, but once they get embedded in the ground they derive their nutrition from the soil. Amid the numerous aerial roots that spring, only a few succeed in reaching the ground and getting through the soil. While the aerial roots embed to the ground and grow, they thicken considerably and form secondary trunks.

Janine

This small-leafed Schefflera develops a rough wood-like trunk and branches that make it ideal for bonsai cultivation. Robust tree that does well both indoors and out and can adjust to a wide range of indoor conditions; it's not winter hardy outdoors in cold climates.

Most growers prefer to use the “clip and grow” technique. Above the attachment point of each leaf is a bud on the tree from which a new branch will grow. By pruning about an inch above a leaf where the bud is pointing is the direction in which the new branch will grow.