There are three varieties of Schefflera which we have listed below.

Common Name: Dwarf Schefflera

Scientific Name: Schefflera arboricola

Characteristics

1. Bark – light tan to gray / smooth to wrinkly depending on age 
2. Branches – flexible or brittle with age / branches are interchangeable as roots or trunk / aerial or adventitious roots may be independent from the trunk or join to create one large trunk / tubelike or circular shaped branches, trunk, and roots 
3. Leaves – alternate / obovate / palmately compound / medium to dark green / umbrella or propeller like shape
4. Flowers – small flowers on clustered stems / yellow / flowers are uncommon in bonsai
5. Fruit – small round orange berries / fruit is uncommon in bonsai

Growing Conditions 

1. Air – good air circulation / humid environment - increases aerial root development 
2. Sun – morning to midday sun is best / good sun promotes smaller leaves
3. Water – moist not wet / morning to midday is best / new leaves increase transpiration 

Maintenance

1. Roots – Repotting is best when night temperatures are consistently above 60 degrees. Well-draining soil. Healthy trees can be heavily pruned. Protect from sun for 2 weeks after heavy root pruning. 
2. Trunk – Properly clean and protect large cuts from moisture as cuts can be slow and/or difficult to heal. Watch for wire scarring. Healthy trees can be heavily reduced. *Poor cuts result in dieback. 
3. Branches – Branches become more brittle and difficult to bend with age. Use wire to set initial primary and/or secondary branch structure where applicable. Watch for wire scarring. The clip-n-grow technique is well utilized. Healthy trees can be heavily pruned. Properly clean and protect large cuts from moisture. *Poor cuts result in dieback. Protect from sun for 2 weeks after heavy branch pruning. 
4. Leaves / Flowers – Leaf size can be controlled by root maturation and pinching new leaf tips. Defoliation is not necessary but can be utilized on mature healthy specimen. Partial defoliation during the growing season can increase airflow, visual design, and reduce predatory insects and fungus. Watch for insects and related fungus on new stem growth. Flowers are uncommon in bonsai.

Hardiness: tropical evergreen / zone 9 - 11 / protect below 45 degrees

Propagation: Cuttings and air-layers of almost any size do well. Night temperatures must be consistently over 60 degrees for best results. 

Potential Issues

1. Insects – aphids / scale / mites
2. Fungus – sooty mold on leaves and branches caused by aphids / root fungus can occur because of poor soil or drainage

*NOTES – Outside is preferred but has been known to tolerate indoor accommodations. While often referred to as a Hawaiian Schefflera or Hawaiian Umbrella Tree, it is native to Taiwan and not Hawaii. Suited for banyan style designs. 

Common Name: Dwarf Schefflera ‘Luseane’

Scientific Name: Schefflera arboricola 

Characteristics

1. Bark – light tan to gray / smooth to wrinkly depending on age 
2. Branches – flexible or brittle with age / branches are interchangeable as roots or trunk / aerial or adventitious roots may be independent from the trunk or join to create one large trunk / tubelike or circular shaped branches, trunk, and roots 
3. Leaves – alternate / obovate / palmately compound / medium to dark green / umbrella or propeller like shape / *smallest leaf variety
4. Flowers – small flowers on clustered stems / yellow / flowers are uncommon in bonsai
5. Fruit – small round orange berries / fruit is uncommon in bonsai

Hardiness: tropical evergreen / zone 9 - 11 / protect below 45 degrees

*NOTES – Outside is preferred but has been known to tolerate an indoor accommodation. While often referred to as a Hawaiian Schefflera or Hawaiian Umbrella Tree, it is native to Taiwan and not Hawaii. Suited for banyan style designs. 

Common Name: Dwarf Schefflera ‘Moose Tracks’ 

Scientific Name: Schefflera arboricola

Characteristics

1. Bark – light tan to gray / smooth to wrinkly depending on age 
2. Branches – flexible or brittle with age / branches are interchangeable as roots or trunk / aerial or adventitious roots may be independent from the trunk or join to create one large trunk / tubelike or circular shaped branches, trunk, and roots 
3. Leaves – alternate / obovate / palmately compound / medium to dark green / umbrella or propeller like resemblance *with a small slit in each pedal that resembles a moose track or footprint 
4. Flowers – small flowers on clustered stems / yellow / flowers are uncommon in bonsai
5. Fruit – small round orange berries / fruit is uncommon in bonsai

Hardiness: tropical evergreen / zone 9 - 11 / protect below 45 degrees

*NOTES – Outside is preferred but has been known to tolerate an indoor accommodation. While often referred to as a Hawaiian Schefflera or Hawaiian Umbrella Tree, it is native to Taiwan and not Hawaii. Suited for banyan style designs.