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An arboricola, or Hawaiian Schefflera, can be
as large as an 8ft specimen tree with a beautiful braided trunk or as small as a miniature bonsai in a dish; in between there
are table plants and floor bushes. These full upright houseplants have masses of small shiny leathery leaves that can be solid
green as well as variegated with yellow and green, or white and green leaves.
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CARE OF ARBORICOLA (HAWAIIAN SCHEFFLERA)
Light: The brighter the light the faster and fuller an arboricola grows. Solid green arboricolas need less light than
variegated ones. Direct sunlight will burn the leaves.
Water: Water your
arboricola well and then allow at least the top 1/3 of the soil to dry out before watering again; it might be an inch or two
in a small pot and 4 or 5 inches in a large pot. Green leaves fall off and new growth turns black when an arboricola is over
watered. Leaves turn bright yellow when an arboricola is under watered.
Temperature:
Arboricolas do fine in normal household temperatures. Try to keep the plant out of cold draughts and away from heaters and
air conditioners.
Fertilizer: Fertilize your arboricola once a month in
the spring and summer with a good houseplant food at ½ strength. Avoid feeding when the plant is not actively growing.
Pests: Like most houseplants, arboricola attract spider mites and mealy bugs,
especially on the new tender growth. Spray every 10 days for a month with the green solution. Be sure to cover both sides of the leaves.
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| Arboricola Specimen Plant |
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ARBORICOLA (HAWAIIAN SCHEFFLERA) FAQ’S
1. The new growth on my arboricola is turning black and dying.
The most likely
cause is that you are over watering your plant, especially if green leaves are falling off as well. You should also check
to be sure there are no pests destroying the new growth.
2. Can I put my arboricola
on a desk in an office with a small window but good artificial light?
Solid green arboricolas do very well under
those conditions, although the new leaves may be smaller and the plant a little less bushy than if it were in better light.
3. Some of the leaves on my plant are looking pale green and I can see little webs.
Your plant has spider mites. Spray with the “green solution” every 10 days for at least a month.
4. I have a beautiful arboricola that used to have green and yellow leaves; now all
of the new leaves are solid green.
Your plant isn’t getting enough light to sustain the variegated leaves.
Move it to a brighter location if you want it to return to its original colors.
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