Arboricola Capella Plant in a Pot:
How to Care for Your Container Plant

The arboricola capella, also known as the dwarf schefflera or umbrella plant, is a beautiful tropical shrub that is perfect for indoor container gardening. With its lush green foliage and easy-to-care-for nature, it’s no wonder that this plant is a common sight in homes and offices.

In this article, we will discuss how to care for your arboricola capella plant in a pot, so that it can thrive and provide you with years of enjoyment.

Watering

The key to keeping your arboricola capella healthy is to ensure that it is adequately watered. The plant prefers moist but well-draining soil, so make sure that the pot has drainage holes and that the soil doesn’t become waterlogged.

Water your plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Be sure not to overwater, as this can lead to root rot and other problems. In general, aim to water your plant once a week or when necessary.

Light

The arboricola capella plant thrives in bright, indirect light. It can also tolerate some shade, but too much shade can cause the leaves to become pale and spindly.

If your plant is getting too much direct sunlight, you may notice that the leaves are turning yellow or brown. If this happens, move the plant to a spot with less direct sunlight.

Soil

The arboricola capella plant prefers well-draining soil that is rich in organic matter. You can use a potting mix specifically designed for indoor plants, or create your own mix by combining equal parts of peat moss, perlite, and vermiculite.

Avoid using heavy garden soil or soil that doesn’t drain well, as this can cause root rot and other problems.

Fertilizer

Like all plants, the arboricola capella needs nutrients to grow and thrive. You can fertilize your plant with a balanced fertilizer every two weeks during the growing season (spring and summer).

Be sure not to over-fertilize, as this can lead to burned roots and other problems. Follow the instructions on the fertilizer package carefully.

Humidity

The arboricola capella plant prefers humid environments. If your home or office is particularly dry, you may want to consider using a humidifier or placing a tray of water near the plant.

You can also mist the leaves of your plant once or twice a week with room-temperature water to help increase humidity.

Pruning

Pruning your arboricola capella plant will help keep it looking neat and tidy. You can remove any dead or yellowing leaves as needed, as well as any stems that are growing in an undesirable direction.

You can also prune your plant to help it maintain its shape and size. Use sharp pruning shears and make clean cuts just above a leaf node.

Pest Control

The arboricola capella plant is generally resistant to pests and diseases. However, like all plants, it can still fall victim to various critters such as spider mites or mealybugs.

If you notice any signs of infestation (such as webbing or tiny insects), act quickly to prevent further damage. You can use an insecticidal soap or neem oil spray to control most common pests.

FAQ

Q: How big does an arboricola capella plant get?

A: The size of an arboricola capella plant depends on several factors, including the size of the pot it’s growing in and how often it’s pruned. In general, these plants can grow up to 10 feet tall if left unpruned but can be maintained at any size through regular pruning.

Q: Can I propagate my arboricola capella plant?

A: Yes! The easiest way to propagate an arboricola capella plant is through stem cuttings. Take a cutting from a healthy stem and place it in water until roots form. Once roots have formed, transplant the cutting into soil and care for it as you would any new plant.

Q: Can I grow my arboricola capella outside?

A: While these plants are tropical by nature and prefer warm temperatures, they can be grown outdoors in USDA zones 9-11. However, they may not do well in areas with extreme heat or cold.

Q: Can I prune my arboricola capella too much?

A: It’s possible! While pruning is important for keeping your plant healthy and looking good, too much pruning can stress the plant and cause growth problems. To avoid over-pruning, only remove about 1/3 of the plant’s foliage at a time.

Q: My arboricola capella has yellow leaves – what’s wrong?

A: Yellowing leaves on an arboricola capella can indicate several problems, including overwatering, underwatering, or nutrient deficiencies. Check the soil moisture level and adjust your watering schedule if necessary. If you suspect nutrient deficiencies, fertilize your plant according to its needs.

In conclusion, caring for an arboricola capella plant in a pot is relatively easy if you follow these basic guidelines for watering, light exposure, soil quality, fertilizing, humidity control, pruning, and pest control. With proper care and attention on your part, this beautiful tropical shrub will provide you with years of enjoyment!