Heptapleurum

( hep - tuh - PLUR - um )

At-A-Glance Information

This genus of plants is commonly called Umbrella Tree or Umbrella Plant, and includes species of subshrubs and small trees native to southeast Asia. These tropicals require a sheltered space in most temperate gardens, and are also popular houseplants. They produce lush, palmately divided glossy green foliage and are perfect additions to gardens as accent plants, privacy screens, hedges, and container specimens in tropical and subtropical climates. Take care when planting these trees and shrubs in the landscape or keeping them indoors, as plant parts are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if ingested.

Heptapleurum Species and Varietals

The genus Heptapleurum includes 321 distinct species and is a member of the plant family Araliaceae. This genus of flowering shrubs and small trees was once included in Schefflera, but is now its own genus (as of 2020). Heptapleurum species grow well in USDA hardiness zones 10-12. To find your zone, click here: Zone Map.

Heptapleurum actinophyllum (Australian Umbrella Tree, Queensland Umbrella Tree, Octopus Tree, Amate, Starleaf)
This evergreen tree reaches 50 feet tall and is usually seen as a multitrunked specimen. Trees produce racemes of red flowers in summertime that reach up to 2 feet long, and appear towards the top of the tree. The specific epithet actinophyllum means 'with radiating leaves'. Juvenile trees can be grown as houseplants. This species is considered highly invasive in Florida (United States), Hawai'i, and various Pacific Islands.

Heptapleurum arboricola (Dwarf Umbrella Tree, Australian Ivy Palm, Dwarf Hawaiian Schefflera, Hawaiian Elf Schefflera, Star Leaf, Parasol Plant)
This species is native to China and Taiwan and produces a small tree that tops out around 30 feet tall. This evergreen tree produces golden yellow flowers and fruits that follow ripen in late summer through fall and winter. These are commonly kept as houseplants, and thrive on neglect. Variety 'Gold Capella' is a choice cultivar with yellow-variegated leaves. This species is considered highly invasive in tropical and subtropical regions including Hawai'i, Florida (United States), Brazil, Singapore, and the Fiji Islands.

Heptapleurum ellipticum (Climbing Umbrella Tree, Ara Bebari, Bunga Kuku Langsuir, Cenama Gajah)
This climbing species of Umbrella Tree forms a scrambling, vining shrub that can reach up to 33 feet tall at maturity. Leaves are green and leathery, with between 4 and 7 leaflets per compound leaf. This species is considered invasive in regions of the Caribbean and Indian Ocean islands.

Heptapleurum stellatum (Schefflera stellata) (Starry Schefflera, Kappaaram, Uramkai, Pei Maratti, Ededdula)
This species is native to India and Sri Lanka, and produces a small tree or scrambling shrub. These plants love growing alongside streams and rivers in open evergreen rainforested areas.

Heptapleurum taiwanianum (Schefflera taiwaniana) (Taiwanese Schefflera, Taiwan Umbrella Tree, Hardy Umbrella Plant, Hardy Schefflera)
This narrow-leaved species is native to Taiwan where it grows in the understory of mixed conifer forests. It reaches about 13 feet tall at maturity and is considered a shrub or small tree. New leaves are hairy and mature leaves are smooth. In late summer, sprays of flowers appear, followed by dark berries that persist through wintertime. These shrubby trees are grown ornamentally outdoors and as indoor houseplants. Young plants require some frost protection; this species grows well in USDA hardiness zones 7-10.

Caring for Heptapleurum

Take care when planting these trees and shrubs in the landscape or keeping them indoors, as plant parts are toxic to dogs, cats, and humans if ingested. Umbrella Trees can either be grown outdoors in the landscape or indoors as houseplants. Outdoors, these plants thrive in partial shade to full sun, and have a preference for protected locations. Consider planting these trees and shrubs in a sheltered area of the garden, such as near a building, fence, wall, or other larger plants. Having said this, these trees also need a good amount of airflow around their branches to prevent development of fungal infections. Foliage can be burned by late afternoon direct sunlight. These trees will thrive in places that do not regularly drop below freezing, and prefer mild climates with moderate temperatures. Ensure that soil is well-draining before planting, and that it is amended with plenty of organic material, which will provide nutrients for the tree as well as improve soil structure and drainage. Heptapleurum plants prefer soil that is between sandy loam and loam, and a slightly acidic to neutral pH of between 6.0 and 6.5. Apply a thick layer of mulch around the base of the plant to control weed growth and increase soil moisture retention.

Keep soil consistently moist, especially in the warmer months of the year, but ensure that roots are not becoming waterlogged, as this can cause issues with root rot and other fungal infections. Waterings can be reduced in wintertime when growth slows down. Avoid overhead watering, as this can cause fungal issues to develop. Pruning is relatively straightforward; simply remove dead, damaged, or diseased branches or foliage using clean, sharp pruning tools to make smooth cuts. These trees with their symmetrical growth habits require little other pruning, other than light shaping if necessary. In wintertime, they will need protection in areas that receive frost. Young trees can be covered with frost cloth or burlap during particularly cold weather (especially if temperatures drop below freezing). In their native habitats, these trees are long-lived, able to survive for 30 years or more before needing to be replaced.

Caring for Heptapleurum Indoors
Umbrella Trees are commonly kept as indoor houseplants. Place in a spot that receives bright indirect light, and avoid areas in the home that receive direct afternoon sunlight, which can scorch foliage. These plants prefer temperatures between 65 and 75 degrees Fahrenheit, tolerating slightly cooler temperatures at times. These plants are very sensitive to frost, preferring high humidity and warm temperatures. Water plants thoroughly when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid letting the soil completely dry out, as this can cause severe stress to the plant and its root system. Mist foliage regularly to mimic humid conditions, and ensure that the plant has good air circulation where it is situated.

Prune simply to maintain a handsome shape (though they do a great job of this when left to their own devices) and to remove any dead, damaged, or yellowing branches. Use clean, sharp pruning shears for this job to make clean cuts. Repot every 2-3 years to refresh the soil and provide more space for root growth. A great rule of thumb for knowing when to repot an indoor plant is if the roots are coming through the drainage holes at the bottom, it's time. Older trees may not need frequent repotting, but may benefit from occasional root pruning and top-dressing with fresh, nutrient-rich soil. Grown indoors, these plants will reach about 3-6 feet tall and just as wide and survive for up to around 20 years.

Propagation

The simplest way to propagate Heptapleurum, or Umbrella Tree, plants is through taking and rooting cuttings from an existing specimen. To propagate your Umbrella Tree, follow the instructions below:

Propagating Heptapleurum by Cutting

Gather your materials. You'll need a clean, sanitized, sharp pair of garden shears, rooting hormone, a pencil, and a 3-inch pot filled with well-draining compost or other organic material. A good substrate for propagation of cuttings is a light blend of 1/3 pasteurized soil or compost, 1/3 sand, vermiculite or perlite, and 1/3 coconut coir or peat moss.
In late summer or early fall, choose the plant that you'd like to propagate. Ensure that the plant has had a good watering the night before, as this will improve the chances the cutting will take root. Cut one or more 6-8 inch softwood or semi-hardwood portion(s) of the end of a non-blooming branch and strip the leaves off of the lower half. Make a hole in your planting medium by pushing your pencil into the soil. Dip the end of the stem in rooting hormone, and plant it in your pot. Fill in soil around the cutting to support it, but do not pack it down too much.
Moisten with water, and ensure that the pot has good drainage. It should be kept in warm, sunny conditions in a protected area. Water whenever the soil is dry under the top layer. After about four to six weeks have passed, the cutting should be rooted. New growth indicates the formation of roots.
Ensure that the soil stays moist, but not wet, until the next spring (after the danger of frost has passed), when the seedling can be hardened off and then planted outdoors.

Problems and Pests

Certain species of Heptapleurum are considered invasive in some regions; see the species descriptions above for more information. Check with local authorities before planting. Heptapleurum, or Umbrella Tree, plants are susceptible to developing issues with the following pests and diseases: