Variegated Dwarf Umbrella Tree

The variegated dwarf umbrella tree (Schefflera arboricola 'Variegata') carries glossy fingered leaves splashed with cream and gold, held in whorls that give the plant its name. It grows quickly to about 2.5m tall and 1.5m wide and takes clipping well, so it works as a screen outdoors and a substantial floor plant indoors.

Why you'll love it

• Bright variegation that holds. The cream and gold marbling stays through the year, lighting a dim corner or a shaded fence line without flowers.
• Fast to a useful size. It puts on height quickly, which matters when the job is covering a fence.
• It clips. Regular trimming builds density rather than opening it up, so you set the final height.
• Low maintenance. Drought tolerant once established, heat and humidity tolerant, generally undemanding.

Where it works best

Screening and hedging. Plant 80cm apart in a single row for a dense screen in the 2m to 2.5m range. It holds foliage low, so the base does not thin out.

Indoors as a floor plant. In a 400mm or larger pot it makes a genuine feature in a bright room, pruned to whatever height the ceiling allows.

One caution: the leaves and sap contain calcium oxalate and are toxic to cats and dogs if chewed. Not a plant for floor level in a home with animals that nibble foliage.

Growing variegated dwarf umbrella tree in Australia

Position and climate. Partial shade to bright indirect light gives the best variegation; harsh afternoon sun scorches the pale sections. Outdoors it suits tropical, subtropical and warm temperate gardens only. It is frost tender, so in cool temperate and frosty districts grow it in a pot under cover.

Soil. Free draining soil improved with compost, or a premium potting mix in containers. It will not tolerate a root zone that stays wet, particularly over winter.

Water and feed. Water twice a week through the first summer, then only when the top of the soil dries; indoors, empty the saucer every time. Feed a controlled release fertiliser in early spring and late summer.

Pruning. Tip prune from the start to build density. For a hedge, trim two or three times through the growing season. Leggy plants can be cut back hard and will reshoot from bare stems.

What to expect when it arrives

It is grown in 200mm pots, sold in packs of six, enough for a screening run of about 4m. Each plant is established and branched, not a rooted cutting.

Glossy foliage marks easily in transit, so judge the plant by its growing tips. Keep it out of direct sun for the first fortnight, then expect new growth within four to six weeks and a closed screen in two seasons. Delivered Australia wide, with delivery from $29.95. Every plant is covered by our 30 day healthy plant guarantee.

Plant care guides and related reading

• Variegated plants explained
• How to keep your indoor plants alive
• Browse screening plants in the 2m to 4m range
• More variegated foliage

Common questions

Is it safe for cats and dogs?

No. The leaves and sap contain calcium oxalate crystals, which cause mouth irritation, drooling and vomiting if chewed. Keep it raised or in a room your pets do not use.

Can I keep it smaller than 2.5m?

Yes. Regular trimming holds it anywhere from about 1m upward, and it reshoots from old wood, so a hard cut back does not leave permanent gaps.

Why is the new growth all green?

Not enough light. Variegated foliage needs bright conditions to keep the cream and gold, so move it somewhere brighter and cut out fully green stems.