Does Schefflera Bloom: Information On Schefflera Plant Flowers
Schefflera is popular as a houseplant and is usually grown for its attractive foliage. Most people in temperate regions have never seen a schefflera blooming, and it would be easy to assume that the plant doesn’t produce flowers. Flowering schefflera plants may be unusual, but these plants do bloom once in a while, even when they’re grown indoors year-round.
When Does Schefflera Bloom?
Schefflera plants, which are commonly known as umbrella trees, are tropical. In the wild, they grow in tropical rainforests or in various parts of Australia and China, depending on the species. They certainly produce flowers in their native habitats, but you may be wondering: does schefflera bloom in cooler regions? Schefflera plants are less likely to flower in temperate regions, but they do produce flowers occasionally, especially in warmer locations like Florida and southern California. In gardening zones 10 and 11, Schefflera actinophylla can be planted outdoors in a full sun location, and these conditions seem to give the plant the best chance to flower. The schefflera blooms are most likely to appear in summer. Flowering is not reliable outside the tropics, so this likely won’t happen every year. Schefflera arboricola has been known to bloom indoors. Giving the plant as much sunlight as possible may help encourage it to flower, and this species, too, is most likely to bloom in summer.
What Do Schefflera Flowers Look Like?
Depending on the species, schefflera blooms can be white, pink, or red. In Schefflera actinophylla, each inflorescence, or flower spike, is quite long and showy, with many small flowers emerging along its length. The inflorescences are grouped in clusters at the end of branches. These clusters have been described as looking like the tentacles of an upside-down octopus, which accounts for one of the plant’s common names, “octopus-tree.” Schefflera arboricola produces more compact flowers on small inflorescences that look like small white spikes. Its flower spikes also grow in clusters that have a surprising appearance, especially on a plant that is so well known for its foliage. When your schefflera plant flowers, it is definitely a special occasion. Be sure to take some photos before these schefflera blooms fade!
Gardening tips, videos, info and more delivered right to your inbox!
Sign up for the Gardening Know How newsletter today and receive a free download of our DIY eBook "Bring Your Garden Indoors: 13 DIY Projects For Fall And Winter".
Ilana Goldowitz Jimenez is a scientific and agricultural writer with a B.S. in Plant Sciences from Cornell University and a PhD in Chemical Biology and Infectious Disease from Harvard University.
-
Grow A Music Garden: Hit The High Notes By Making Musical Instruments From Nature
Music lovers and gardening lovers can find a natural groove using items growing and resting around them. Find out how easy it is making musical instruments from nature
By Teo Spengler
-
Why You Should Eat Invasive Plants – A Tasty Way To Control Unwanted Species
Eat invasive plants for nutrition and their amazing varied flavors, but be sure to properly identify the plant and know how to eat it.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Why Is My Schefflera Leggy – How To Fix Leggy Schefflera Plants
Is your schefflera too leggy? Take a look here at what causes leggy schefflera plants and what you can do to improve their appearance.
By Raffaele Di Lallo
-
Schefflera Bonsai Care – Growing And Pruning Schefflera Bonsais
If you want to know how to make a schefflera bonsai tree, click here for information on pruning schefflera bonsais and caring for them.
By Teo Spengler
-
Schefflera Repotting: Transplanting A Potted Schefflera Plant
In the wild, in-ground plants can reach 8 feet (2 m.) in height but you can easily keep it smaller by tip pruning. Transplanting a potted Schefflera will encourage new growth and keep the root system happy. Learn how to repot a Schefflera plant in this article.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Schefflera Plant Pruning: Tips On Cutting Back Schefflera Plants
Life indoors in a pot can be hard on a plant, and can often result in leggy, unhealthy-looking shapes. That's when it's time to prune. Learn more about trimming schefflera houseplants and how to prune a schefflera in this article.
By Liz Baessler
-
Outdoor Schefflera Care: Can Schefflera Plants Grow Outside
Can Schefflera plants grow outside? Sadly, the plant is not reliably hardy below United States Department of Agriculture zones 10 and 11, but it will make an interesting container specimen that can be moved indoors. Learn more in this article.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Sticky Schefflera Plant: Why Is My Schefflera Sticky
Schefflera plants are remarkably tolerant houseplants and do well in a variety of situations; however, they are also prey to insect pests. Sticky Schefflera leaves are likely a symptom of some hitchhiking bugs that are sucking the life out of your prized plant.
By Bonnie L. Grant
-
Umbrella Plant Propagation: A Complete How-To Guide
Propagating cuttings from schefflera plants is a simple and inexpensive way to create a collection of impressive plants for gifts or home décor. Learn more rooting schefflera cuttings in this article.
By Anne Baley
-
Schefflera Care - Information On The Schefflera Houseplant
The schefflera houseplant is a popular plant and comes in many varieties. One of the reasons it is so popular is because care is so easy. This article provides information on caring for these plants.
By Heather Rhoades