Umbrella tree care guide

Pets and children

How often to water Umbrella tree

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Every 5 days

Water thoroughly once the topsoil is dry, as a guide; the large leaves lose a lot of water, so it dries quickly in midsummer.

Autumn (Oct–Nov)

Every 7 days

Once it cools, wait about a day or two after the soil dries before watering.

Winter (Dec–Feb)

Every 10 days

Water sparingly roughly three to four days after the soil dries, and mist the leaves if heating dries the room.

Light and placement for Umbrella tree

Generally best by a bright window with the light softened by a sheer curtain; too little light makes the leaf stalks stretch and droop, and summer sun scorches the leaves.

Overwintering Umbrella tree

Overwintering guide: 5°C (41°F) or above

A little more tender than the dwarf umbrella tree: as a guide, keep it indoors in a bright spot above about 5°C, bringing it in once nights drop below 10°C and watering less so the soil stays drier.

Fertilizing and repotting Umbrella tree

Fertilizer

Slow-release fertilizer about every two months from May to September; it is a large tree by nature, so feed less to keep a potted plant small, and give none from October on.

When to repot

Spring–Summer (Mar–Sep)

Common problems with Umbrella tree

• In a dim spot the leaf stalks stretch and the leaves droop, spoiling the shape.
• Overwatering rots the roots and the leaves yellow and fall.
• Winter cold blackens the leaves and makes them drop.

Tips for growing Umbrella tree

• It grows fast and tall, so cut the trunk back in spring to keep the height in check.
• The big leaves gather dust; wiping them with a damp cloth keeps them working.
• Rotating the pot evens out the light so the plant does not lean one way.

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