Schefflera actinophylla Facts for Kids

Quick facts for kids Schefflera actinophylla

Schefflera actinophylla in the Cooktown Botanic Gardens, Queensland
Scientific classification
Kingdom:	Plantae
(unranked):	Angiosperms
(unranked):	Eudicots
(unranked):	Asterids
Order:	Apiales
Family:	Araliaceae
Genus:	Schefflera
Species:	S. actinophylla
Binomial name
*Schefflera actinophylla* (Endl.) Harms

The Umbrella Tree (scientific name: Schefflera actinophylla) is a cool plant that can grow into a big tree. It is also known as the Octopus Tree or Amate. This plant comes from warm, wet places like the tropical rainforests of Australia, New Guinea, and Java.

The Amazing Umbrella Tree
- What Does It Look Like?
  - How It Changes as It Grows
- How to Care for Your Umbrella Tree
  - Keeping Leaves Clean
  - Environment and Sunlight
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The Amazing Umbrella Tree

The Umbrella Tree is a very popular plant, especially for people who want a large, tree-like plant indoors. In its natural home in Australia, it can grow to be about 15 meters (50 feet) tall! When grown inside, it can still reach heights of 2 to 2.5 meters (seven or eight feet).

What Does It Look Like?

One of the best things about the Umbrella Tree is its unique leaves. Each leaf is made up of several smaller leaflets. These leaflets are arranged in a circle around a central stem. They spread out horizontally, just like the ribs of an open umbrella.

Each leaflet is shaped like a pointy oval. They can be up to 20 centimeters (eight inches) long. The leaves are a rich, shiny green color, which makes the plant look very healthy and attractive.

How It Changes as It Grows

As an Umbrella Tree gets older, it naturally loses some of its leaves from the lower part of its stem. This helps the plant grow into a more tree-like shape, with a clear trunk and a canopy of leaves at the top.

How to Care for Your Umbrella Tree

Taking care of an Umbrella Tree is quite easy, and it can live a long time with the right care.

Keeping Leaves Clean

The large, broad leaves of the Umbrella Tree can collect dust. This dust can sometimes attract tiny bugs called red spider mites. To help keep these mites away and to make your plant look its best, it's a good idea to gently wipe the leaves clean regularly.

Environment and Sunlight

The Umbrella Tree can adapt well to a normal home environment. It is happy with regular household temperatures. It can also handle different levels of humidity, which is the amount of moisture in the air.

For your Umbrella Tree to thrive, it needs enough sunlight. It also likes clean conditions. With good light and regular cleaning, your plant will stay healthy and beautiful for many years.