Heptapleurum spp.
umbrella trees
Tropical and subtropical Asia and the western Pacific
Overview
Heptapleurum spp. is a genus of evergreen shrubs and small trees in the family Araliaceae, known as umbrella trees, native to tropical and subtropical Asia and the western Pacific. The genus now includes many species formerly placed in Schefflera spp., such as H. arboricola and H. actinophyllum. Leaves are palmately compound, with 5-16 glossy leaflets radiating from a central point like the ribs of an umbrella, and leaflets range from 2 to 12 inches (5-30 cm) long depending on species. In the wild, plants reach 13-50 feet (4-15 m) tall, but as houseplants they are held to 3-8 feet (1-2.4 m). Small flowers form on branched spikes held above the foliage, followed by small fleshy fruit, though indoor plants seldom flower. All parts contain calcium oxalate crystals that cause mouth and stomach irritation if eaten by people or pets. The genus grows as a tropical evergreen, tolerating low indoor light but turning sparse and elongated without bright indirect light. Outdoors it survives only in frost-free climates, USDA zones 10-12, where H. actinophyllum has become invasive in places such as Florida and Hawaii by seeding into native forest.
Native Range
Heptapleurum spp. is native to tropical and subtropical Asia and the western Pacific, from India and southern China through Southeast Asia to Australia and Pacific islands. Plants grow in warm, humid forests, with some beginning life as epiphytes on other trees. Several species have naturalized in tropical regions worldwide.Suggested Uses
Grown as a foliage houseplant and in interior plantings in malls and offices. In frost-free climates it is used as a hedge, screen, or specimen tree. Compact species such as H. arboricola are also trained as bonsai.How to Identify
Appearance
Size & Dimensions
Height3' - 50'
Width/Spread2' - 15'
Bloom Information
Flowering occurs mainly in warm climates during the dry season and is rare on indoor plants. Numerous small red to cream flowers line branched spikes that can reach 1-3 feet (30-90 cm) long, followed by small fleshy fruit that ripen red to purple-black. Indoor specimens rarely reach flowering size.
Detailed Descriptions
Flower Description
red to creamFoliage Description
glossy green, sometimes variegated with yellow or creamGrowing Conditions
Sun Requirements
Requires 3-8 hours of direct sunlight daily
• Full Sun: 6+ hours of direct sunlight
• Partial Shade: 3-6 hours of direct sunlight
• Full Shade: Less than 3 hours of direct sunlight
Care & Maintenance
Care Guide
Heptapleurum spp. grows in bright indirect light to partial shade in a fertile, well-drained potting mix kept lightly moist. Direct hot sun scorches the leaflets, while low light causes weak, stretched stems and leaf drop. Normal room temperatures of 60-80F (16-27C) with moderate humidity suit the genus, and growth stops below 50F (10C). The mix is watered when the top inch (2.5 cm) dries, with reduced watering in winter, since soggy soil causes root rot and leaf yellowing. Plants tolerate average indoor air and recover from hard cutting back. Outdoor plants in frost-free zones grow rapidly and need room to spread.Pruning
Stems are cut back in spring to control height and produce bushier growth, and plants tolerate hard pruning to bare stems. Pinching the growing tips brings out branching in young plants. Cut stems exude sap that can irritate sensitive skin.Container Growing
✓ Suitable for container growing
Minimum container size: 2 gallons