Hawaiian Umbrella
(Schefflera arboricola)
Country of Origin : Taiwan
Bonsai Styles : Informal upright, slanting, semi-cascade, cascade, root-over-rock, exposed root, clump
Zone : 6 – 9
The Hawaiian umbrella tree is a subtropical evergreen shrub that is mostly grown in households as an indoor plant. It is a slow-growing shrub.
Schefflera arboricola remains popular because it is easy to grow and maintain and survives occasional neglect.
The shrub has umbrella-like, palmate, long-stemmed leaves. The bright green leaves have seven to sixteen leaflets, and are borne on slender, flexible stalks.
The branches and trunk of this plant are highly flexible. The trunk remains relatively thin and does not branch out into a crown, as some other tropical bushes do.
The plant grows fleshy, wine-red flowers that grow upright. It also produces orange-colored berries that turn black in color.
Schefflera arboricola produces aerial roots (If you maintain a high enough humidity) that advanced bonsai growers can use to their advantage when styling.
Can you bonsai an Umbrella Tree?
Yes, you can bonsai an umbrella tree. As a true robust houseplant, the umbrella tree can grow in a variety of environments and is one of the easiest indoor bonsai to grow. Umbrella tree bonsai can be styled in many bonsai styles, however informal upright and clump styles suit this bonsai best. It is also often styled as a root over rock bonsai because it develops mangrove-like roots.
There are two Schefflera species that can be used to make a bonsai. Schefflera arboricola (Hawaiian umbrella tree) and Schefflera actinophylla (Australian umbrella tree). Contrary to Schefflera arboricola, which grows in subtropical regions, Schefflera actinophylla grows in tropical areas. Both species do well as bonsai.
For bonsai care details of Schefflera actinophylla bonsai read: Australian umbrella tree bonsai
Many people buy ready-made Hawaiian umbrella bonsai as an introduction to the art of bonsai or to give as gifts.
Read more about other bonsai trees species in : Types of bonsai tree
Best location to keep Hawaiian umbrella bonsai tree
How much light does a Hawaiian umbrella bonsai need?
A light level of 500 lux (home or office lighting) to 1000 lux (light levels in an overcast day) should be enough for Hawaiian umbrella bonsai.
Does schefflera Arboricola like full sun?
These trees can be kept in full sun however, keep them at a position where they are receiving indirect sunlight. A bonsai umbrella tree is probably the only indoor bonsai that can tolerate low light levels.
It is possible to take scheffleras outside in summer, but this isn’t necessary since they are quite happy indoors all year long. Lighting conditions in an average living room should be adequate.
Keep it in a bright window, giving it as much light as possible. Leaf stalks and leaves of umbrella plants become shorter and smaller as they receive more light.
The Schefflera leaf stalks will grow very long if the location is too dark.
The ideal temperature for Hawaiian umbrella bonsai is between 64°F and 71°F (18°C and 22°C). Bonsai should not be kept at temperatures below 59°F (15°C).
Bonsai Schefflera can also be placed near heat sources.
In winter, a suitable temperature range for the bonsai is between 61°F – 68°F (16°C – 20°C). Provide protection from drafts.
IMP: Refer to do bonsai trees need sunlight for more indoor and outdoor bonsai location ideas. Also, refer sunlight requirements for indoor plants for more indoor gardening ideas.
Propagation of Hawaiian umbrella bonsai tree
Hawaiian umbrella tree can be propagated by using seeds and cuttings.
Using seeds: When the schefflera’s berries are ripe, collect the seeds. Then dry them and stratify them. Spring is the best time to plant them in a greenhouse or frame filled with peat and clay.
Sow the seeds at a temperature of about 68 to 86°F (20 to 30°C). Germination occurs within a short period of time. Seedlings should be hardened off and potted up the following spring.
Using cuttings: Cuttings can be planted in a greenhouse at any time of the year. Take cuttings from side branches.
Watering Hawaiian umbrella bonsai tree
How do you water a bonsai umbrella?
Water the Hawaiian umbrella bonsai every couple of days during the growing season to keep the soil from drying out. Let the soil dry a little before the next watering.
Using filtered water, rain water or distilled water is advisable. Make an arrangement where the water can stand for a day or so, so the chemicals can be dispersed if you only have the option of tap water.
Schefflera trees can tolerate brief periods of low water because they are drought-tolerant.
The leaves, leaf stalks, and internodes of the tree will grow bigger if you overwater the umbrella bonsai. However, make sure that you do not let the soil become excessively dry.
Overwatering will not only increase the size of the leaves, but also cause root rot.
If the bonsai is planted on a volcanic rock (lava rock), wet the rock regularly.
The leaves will benefit from misting occasionally. Keep the leaves clean by wiping them with a damp paper towel.
In winter, water sparingly-just enough to moisten the soil.
Read watering bonsai tree for more details and also about bonsai water immersion technique.
Wiring Hawaiian umbrella bonsai tree
Wire training is not required for umbrella bonsai. The shape of the bonsai is achieved solely by the pruning.
Read : Detailed guide on How to wire a bonsai. This extensive guide includes all the wiring techniques and Do’s and Dont’s. It will also show you other bonsai training techniques which can be achieved without using wires.
Pruning Hawaiian umbrella bonsai tree
When to prune Hawaiian umbrella bonsai tree?
How to prune Hawaiian umbrella bonsai tree?
It is recommended that you prune branches in spring by half in order to encourage the production of dense foliage. At the same time, remove any branches that have withered or died.
This will also keep the tree compact.
During the growing season, pinch back the growing tips of new shoots once two or three leaves have formed. This will maintain the shape of the plant and encourage the growth of laterals.
During this time, you can also remove the large leaves. Leave the leaf stalks. They will eventually fall in about 4 weeks.
Read how to prune a bonsai to know about the right technique of pruning and more about defoliating a bonsai tree.
Repotting Hawaiian umbrella bonsai tree
When to repot Hawaiian umbrella bonsai tree?
Repot umbrella bonsai in early spring every 2-3 years, as these trees are slow growers. These trees can also be repotted in late winter.
Frequent repotting will lead to leaves increasing in size.
Schefflera arboricola roots are hardy and can tolerate drastic pruning.
Prune almost half of the roots at the time of repotting. Shorten the roots of the bonsai planted on lava rock. This is also a good time to remove all the large leaves from the tree.
Use a glazed container of medium depth, in shades of willow-green or blue.
What is the best soil for umbrella bonsai?
A dry, loose, free-draining and slightly acidic (pH level 6 – 6.5) soil is ideal for umbrella bonsai.
You can use a standard bonsai soil mix commercially available.
You can also use sharp sand, loam, and peat moss (or garden compost) in the ratio of 1:1:1.
Please check out how to repot a bonsai to know everything about repotting and root pruning a bonsai.
Must Read: Bonsai Soil Recipes
Must read : Choosing the right bonsai container
Feeding Hawaiian umbrella bonsai tree
Between spring and late summer, apply a general liquid fertilizer once a month.
What is the best fertilizer for Hawaiian umbrella bonsai?
Any general fertilizer in liquid form is suitable for Hawaiian umbrella bonsai. However, switching to a slow-acting solid fertilizer from time to time is also advisable. Make sure not to apply feed with high nitrogen levels, as it can lead to large leaves.
Read more about bonsai fertilizer and its application. This will also give you more details on how to feed flowering bonsai trees.
Diseases and pest of Hawaiian umbrella bonsai tree
Umbrella bonsai trees are susceptible to spider mites, scale insects, thrips, mealy bugs and woolly aphids. Apply a weak, systemic insecticide if there are too many pests to remove by hand.
These pests can also cause rotting of parts of the tree.
The tree can also get infected by Alternaria of the leaves. The leaves will have tiny oily spots that are sometimes ringed with red.
The branches will also start withering after discolored patches appear at the nodes of side branches. All the diseased areas will have black spots.
Prune the infected wood and apply an appropriate fungicide.
Our comprehensive guide: How to identify and treat bonsai pests and diseases is a great resource for you to see all the organic and inorganic remedies you can use.
Why is my umbrella bonsai dying?
Overwatering (causing root rot), underwatering, low light, exposure to hot sunlight (scorching the foliage of the tree), bad water (eg. hard water or excessive tap water), prolonged exposure to cold temperature, pests and diseases, potbound roots, or overly alkaline soil can be the reason why your umbrella bonsai is dying. I have covered the solution of all these problems in the sections above. As long as you follow those guidelines, you should have a healthy umbrella bonsai tree.
Are Hawaiian umbrella bonsai pet safe?
Yes. A number of toxic compounds are found in Schefflera, including calcium oxalate crystals, saponins, and terpenoids. Vomiting, kidney problems, tremors, and heart and respiratory problems can be caused by it. It can also cause oral irritation, including difficulty swallowing, drooling, and burning of the mouth, lips, and tongue. Therefore, do not let your pets chew or ingest any part of the tree.
