Size Matters:
Choosing the Right Arboricola Plant for Your Landscape

If you’re looking for a beautiful and easy-to-care-for plant to add to your landscape, the arboricola plant is an excellent choice. Also known as the Schefflera arboricola, this plant is native to Taiwan and has become a popular choice among gardeners and landscapers around the world.

One of the most important factors to consider when choosing an arboricola plant is its size. These plants can vary greatly in height and width, so it’s essential to choose the right size for your landscape. In this article, we’ll explore the different sizes of arboricola plants and how to choose the right one for your needs.

Small Arboricola Plants

Small arboricola plants are typically between 2 and 4 feet tall, making them an excellent choice for small spaces or containers. These plants are often used as houseplants but can also be used outdoors in mild climates.

One of the most popular small arboricola plants is the dwarf schefflera, which grows up to 4 feet tall and has glossy green leaves. This plant is easy to care for and can thrive in bright indirect light or low light conditions.

Another popular small arboricola plant is the variegated schefflera, which has yellow and green leaves. This plant can grow up to 3 feet tall and is an excellent choice for adding color and texture to a small space.

Medium Arboricola Plants

Medium arboricola plants are typically between 4 and 6 feet tall, making them an excellent choice for filling larger spaces in your landscape. These plants can be used as standalone specimens or as part of a larger planting scheme.

One of the most popular medium arboricola plants is the standard schefflera, which can grow up to 6 feet tall with a spread of up to 3 feet wide. This plant has large glossy green leaves and is often used as a focal point in landscaping designs.

Another popular medium arboricola plant is the gold capella schefflera, which has green leaves with yellow variegation. This plant can grow up to 5 feet tall and is an excellent choice for adding color and texture to your landscape.

Large Arboricola Plants

Large arboricola plants are typically over 6 feet tall, making them an excellent choice for creating a focal point or screening a large area. These plants can be used as standalone specimens or as part of a larger planting scheme.

One of the most popular large arboricola plants is the umbrella tree schefflera, which can grow up to 15 feet tall with a spread of up to 8 feet wide. This plant has large glossy green leaves and can be trained to grow as a tree or kept as a bushy shrub.

Another popular large arboricola plant is the Amate schefflera, also known as the Ficus umbrella tree. This plant can grow up to 30 feet tall in its native habitat but can be pruned to maintain a smaller size in your landscape.

Choosing the Right Arboricola Plant

When choosing an arboricola plant for your landscape, it’s essential to consider its mature size and growth rate. Small arboricola plants may seem like an attractive option, but they may not fill out a large space adequately. Conversely, large arboricola plants may be overwhelming in a small garden or container.

Consider how much space you have available and what purpose you want your arboricola plant to serve. Do you want it as a focal point or as part of a larger planting scheme? Do you need it for screening or privacy? Answering these questions will help you choose the right size and variety of arboricola plant for your needs.

How to Care for Your Arboricola Plant

Arboricola plants are relatively easy to care for and can thrive in a range of growing conditions. They prefer well-draining soil and moderate watering, avoiding both underwatering and overwatering. They also benefit from occasional fertilization with balanced fertilizer during the growing season.

Arboricola plants prefer bright indirect light but can tolerate low light conditions. However, they may develop leggy growth if kept in low light conditions for extended periods. Regular pruning can help maintain their shape and encourage bushy growth.

FAQ

Q: Are arboricola plants toxic?

A: Yes, all parts of the arboricola plant are toxic if ingested by pets or humans. Keep them out of reach of children and pets.

Q: Can I grow an arboricola plant indoors?

A: Yes, many varieties of arboricola plants make excellent houseplants. Choose a variety that suits your growing conditions and space requirements.

Q: Can I prune my arboricola plant?

A: Yes, regular pruning can help maintain its shape and encourage bushy growth. Prune back any leggy growth or damaged branches in late winter or early spring before new growth begins.

Q: How often should I water my arboricola plant?

A: Water your arboricola plant when the top inch of soil feels dry to the touch. Avoid overwatering, which can lead to root rot, or underwatering, which can cause leaf drop.

Q: Can I propagate my arboricola plant?

A: Yes, you can propagate your arboricola plant by taking stem cuttings in spring or summer. Dip the cuttings in rooting hormone powder and place them in potting soil or water until they develop roots.