Australian umbrella tree bonsai care

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Australian umbrella tree ( aka Heptapleurum actinophyllum and formally known as schefflera actinophylla ) is a well known houseplant (in temperate climates). However, it also makes for a great indoor bonsai tree.

It is also known by its many other names such as common schefflera, Australia schefflera, Queensland schefflera or octopus tree. Do not confuse this plant with with Schefflera arboricola – Hawaiian umbrella tree – native to Taiwan and more popular umbrella tree in the west.

Umbrella trees are evergreen. Although its leaves are fairly large for a bonsai, they will become smaller over time.

As far as the bonsai style is concerned, it is grown over lava rock with many holes. The roots of the tree go through the holes making a delightful root over rock style. Australian umbrella tree bonsai can also be plated as ‘Mangrove’ like group.

While it blooms in the wild, it cannot bloom when grown as a bonsai.

It has glossy, leathery, palmate compound leaves which are green in color and are shaped like the spokes of an umbrella.

Younger trees have 5 leaflets and mature trees can have 7-9 leaflets, ending in a ‘drip’ tip. Generally, leaves are narrowly oblong with a smooth edge, but younger leaves sometimes have toothed edges.

The tree has grayish brown woody trunk with light brown bark. However, younger trees will have green trunks.

Read more about other bonsai trees species in : Bonsai tree care

There are many varieties of schefflera :

• Heptapleurum actinophyllum ‘Amate’ – One of the most popular variety. I has captured the eyes of consumers with its dark green leaves which have a very high gloss. (almost looks like the leaves are waxed). This tree grows relatively shorter and has shorter leaves.
• Heptapleurum actinophyllum ‘Amate Soleil’ – This variety has yellowish green leaves (almost golden leaf).
• Heptapleurum actinophyllum ‘Nova’ – This variety has completely different looking leaves. One who doesn’t know about this variety, may even think that its not a schefflera. ITs leaves are deeply cut with multiple pointy edges.
• Heptapleurum actinophyllum ‘Renegade’ – This variety has a very unique growth habit. Its branches are very short. And the leaves growing on the tree give an appearance as if they are growing out of the trunk. Because of this growth habit, the silhouette of the tree is not very ‘tree like’.

There is another Heptapleurum species which is highly recommended for making a umbrella tree bonsai. It is called Schefflera arboricola (this is now known as Heptapleurum arboricola). It is also known as dwarf schefflera.

Best location to keep Australian umbrella tree Bonsai

As long as it is placed in a bright and airy location, this Australia umbrella tree bonsai can be kept indoors all year round.

It will be easier to keep the leaves small if the light intensity is high. ( It just needs some warm environment)

A good temperature for the bonsai is around 75°F (24°C) to 86ºF (º30C).

During the winter months, the tree should not be exposed to temperatures below 55°F (13°C).

IMP: Refer sunlight requirements for indoor plants for more indoor gardening ideas. Also, refer to do bonsai trees need sunlight for more indoor and outdoor bonsai location ideas.

Propagation of Australian umbrella tree

Australian umbrella tree can be propagated using seeds or cuttings.

While using cuttings, take a stem cutting from a branch (preferably from just above a bud). The cutting can be at least 6 inches in length. You can even grow the tree by using a single compound leaf.

You can root the cuttings in 3 ways, put it in a growing medium ( mix of peat and potting soil), OR put it in a jar of water, OR wrap the bottom of the stem with moist paper towel. and keep the paper towel moist at all times.

There is no need to apple rooting hormone. Keep your stem cutting at a warm place but not under direct sunlight. The rooting should occur within a month.

While using seeds, Soak the seed in water (preferably hot water 140ºF (60ºC)). Soak the seed for at least 12 to 24 hours. By doing this you will increase the rate of germination.

Sow the seed in a pot. and keep the soil moist. Keep the pot in a warm place with indirect sunlight. Seeds will take 60-90 days to germinate.

Watering Australian umbrella tree Bonsai

There is a certain amount of water that is conserved by the trunks of these plants, so watering is only necessary when the plant is dry.

There is a possibility that too much water can result in root rot.

Whenever you water the bonsai, it is important to make sure that the soil is thoroughly saturated. And make sure to have good drainage in the pot so that excess water can drain thoroughly.

The Australia umbrella bonsai tree prefers to be sprayed with water that is slightly warm on a regular basis.

Read watering bonsai tree for more details.

Wiring Australian umbrella tree Bonsai

Wiring of the Heptapleurum actinophyllum bonsai is tricky. The mature branches are brittle and you will risk breaking the branches if you try to bend them. However, younger soft branches can be wired.

There is no need to attempt wiring unless it is absolutely necessary.

Pruning Australian umbrella tree Bonsai

When to prune Australian umbrella tree bonsai?

How to prune Australian umbrella tree bonsai?

Adding a little pruning to this slow-growing plant will only be necessary if it becomes too tall.

As long as it is not cut back, it will grow a straight trunk.

As a young plant, it rarely branches out. For the first few decades of its life, it concentrates all its energy on reaching great heights. Because of its natural tendency of seeking sun.

Prune the top of the tree to maintain height and also to promote spreading.

If pruned, it can be cut back as far as you would like and it will send out new leaves in a few weeks after being pruned.

Repotting Australian umbrella tree Bonsai

When to repot Australian umbrella tree bonsai?

When growing in a bonsai pot, repotting should be done approximately every two to three years in the spring.

The roots of the tree are fleshy and break easily. So be careful in handling them while repotting.

When trees grow over rocks for a period of time, it will be necessary to also place them in a pot to allow their roots to travel into the compost.

This is also a good time to prune unwanted aerial roots in case your bonsai has them.

You can use a basic free-draining, bonsai soil mix as a potting soil.

Must Read: Bonsai Soil Recipes

Must read : Choosing the right bonsai container

Feeding Australian umbrella tree Bonsai

During the growing season, feed should be given once a month, and during the winter months, reduce feeding.

Follow the instructions on the packaging.

Regular fertilizing will also increase the rate of growth of these slow growing plants.

Read more about bonsai fertilizer and its application.

Diseases and pest of Australian umbrella tree Bonsai

Fungal Leaf Spots can cause cause black and brown spots on the leaves. In severe cases, the leaves can also drop. Try and keep the leaves of the tree dry and prune the effected leaves.

Bacterial leaf spot can cause tan or yellow inflammations on margins of the leaves. Avoid overhead watering and apply regular fertilizer. Bacterial infections can also make small moist spots (which will turn dark) on the leaves and even cause leaf drop. Remove the infected leaves as soon as you notice them

Red spider mite, aphid, scale, and mealy bugs can also cause some problem. Remove them manually or by using a jet of water.

Further control is possible through the use of horticultural oils and insecticidal soaps or miticides. 

Australian umbrella tree bonsai care

Do not over water the tree as it will definitely cause root rot in Australian umbrella tree bonsai.

Use a stick to support the plant if the trunk is not thick enough to sustain the weight of the foliage. Prune unwanted branches so that the tree can spend some energy in thickening of the trunk.