Umbrella trees can be grown as a small tree indoors with a single large stem forming the trunk.Pruning will give you a fuller plant with more even growth.They cannot tolerate freezing temperatures or long term exposure to direct strong dry heat like heat vents or harsh dry winds.In cooler climates they will grow well in summer outside in the proper conditions but must come indoors when temperatures drop.They can be grown outside year round in climate zones 10 to 12.This makes them good candidates for patios and drafty hallways or entry areas. However, Umbrella trees are durable and capable of withstanding cooler temperature, temperature changes and drafts.

Optimal temperatures for the umbrella trees are 55 to 75 degrees F.Discontinue fertilizer until the plant recovers. The remedy is to set the plant under a faucet of water and let the water run through for 10 minutes or so.This may indicate an over concentration of salts in the roots from over feeding. Look for brown spots on the leaves of your plants.Decrease feedings by late Fall and allow your umbrella tree to rest through the winter months.Apply a good quality fertilizer (linked in materials) monthly through Spring and summer.If you see yellow leaves you are probably overwatering. If the soil is compacted the bottom of the soil can remain wet which encourages root rot and Fungus Gnats. In dormant winter months reduce watering to when the soil is dry down halfway.For a really dry climate frequent misting will help. In dry climates this bush will thrive with a humidifier nearby. Both can cause stress on the umbrella tree. Watering is best done on a regular schedule so the plant is not over or under watered.Try a watering schedule of every other week. Tropical plants in general do not like to be overly wet. Water your umbrella tree when the soil is dry down an inch or more.Tip: Window sheers or blinds can offset some brief periods of high direct light.If you see them move the plant to lower light. Shield this bush from strong direct light in summer south and west sunny windows.Variegated umbrella trees like the cultivar 'Gold Capella' needs stronger light to bring out the variegation in the leaves to best advantage.The plant will get leggy and thin as it stretches to the light. If the light is too low the leaves will begin to fall. It will tolerate lower indirect light it if has some brighter moments in the day.

This plant enjoys indirect bright or dappled direct light.

Don't jump to a huge pot from a small one unless you wish to encourage faster growth.

Repot every second year or when roots come out the drainage holes on the pot bottom To the next pot size up.

If you want to encourage faster growth choose a pot about 2 inches wider in diameter than the current pot.

The variegated umbrella tree will grow to the size of its pot.

A heavy soil potting mix is not recommended for these plants.

Our mix for this plant is 60 % potting mix to 20% perlite and 20% orchid bark.

A mix of potting soil and perlite will keep the roots happiest.

The umbrella tree enjoys a light well draining soil.

Click here to buy the Variegated Umbrella Tree Plant on Etsy I buy my online plants from small hobby plant growers on Etsy. If you are having trouble locating it locally, a great option is purchasing it online. This isn’t a rare or particularly hard to find plant. You can find this beautiful plant at most local nurseries or greenhouses. My plant that I recently propagated More Beautiful Houseplants: I use potting mix, perlite, and orchid bark. You do not want thick and heavy soil compacting around the roots of this plant. My favorite mix for this plant is a light and quick draining soil. I use my kitchen spray nozzle to spray all the dust off the leaves when watering.įinally, you can look at substrate and make sure you have your plant in the proper potting medium. I like to give this plant a shower when I water it. If you are having problems with leaves dropping and signs of damage on them, check for pests. Pests will also cause leaf drop with this plant. This can also cause the plant to drop leaves. If you place this plant in a low light spot, it can grow very leggy and spindly.

The other reason lighting is important is the growth pattern of the plant. The brighter the light the better the variegation. If you put this plant in a low light area, it will give you green leaves with very little variegation. The first reason is the beautiful variegation. Lighting is important for two reasons with this plant. Give it a really good soaking when you water it. It is better to underwater this plant than it is to overwater it. The variegated umbrella tree plant can get root rot if water is left sitting around the roots. Watering on a proper schedule is important for all houseplants. 5 Follow Us: Umbrella Tree Plant Dropping Leaves