(چھتری پتا پودا / شفلرہ) Schefflera arboricola – Dwarf Umbrella Tree

Schefflera arboricola – Dwarf Umbrella Tree (چھتری پتا پودا / شفلرہ)

– Glossy green umbrella-like leaves, – Bushy, evergreen form, – Popular as an indoor plant but thrives outdoors in Lahore too

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🌿 Botanical Name: Schefflera arboricola (shef-LAIR-uh ar-bor-ih-KOH-luh)
🌿 Family: Araliaceae (uh-RAIL-ee-ay-see-ee)
🧊 Hardiness Zone (USA): 9–11
📏 Height: 3 to 6 feet indoors; up to 12–15 feet outdoors in the ground in tropical climates

🍃 Foliage: Shiny, green (or variegated) compound leaves in a radiating umbrella pattern; evergreen and lush year-round

🌸 Flowering Period (Lahore/Punjab): Rarely flowers in pots or temperate gardens, but can produce small red flowers and berries outdoors in warm, humid conditions

🌼 Companion Plants:

• Ficus elastica – for bold-leaf contrast in shade gardens

• Dieffenbachia – lush foliage companions

• Dracaena marginata – architectural match for tropical displays

🏡 Garden Usage:
Used as an indoor houseplant, outdoor tropical shrub, or container specimen; great for patios, entryways, or shaded balconies 

🍈 Fruition: In ideal outdoor conditions, may produce tiny flowers followed by berries, but rarely in potted environments. In Abbotabad pot doesnt hinder the fruition/ berries.

A potted plant at Abbotabad

🌱 Soil: Well-drained loamy or peat-rich soil; thrives in organic potting mixes as well

⚖️ pH Value: 6.0–7.5 (slightly acidic to neutral)

💧 Water:
Moderate water needs – allow topsoil to dry slightly between watering; avoid waterlogged roots, especially in clay pots

🌡️ Temperature:
✅ Yes – thrives in Lahore! Ideal range: 18–35°C
Can tolerate Lahore’s hot summers if placed in partial to full shade and watered consistently
Needs protection from frosty nights or cold winds in December–January

☀️ Location Preference (sun or shade):
Partial shade to dappled light outdoors; bright indirect light indoors
Direct Lahore sun can scorch leaves, especially in May–June

🌾 Propagation: By stem cuttings in spring or summer; rooting in water or moist potting mix is easy and reliable

🐛 Pesticides:
Occasionally prone to scale, spider mites, or mealybugs indoors; wipe leaves and spray neem oil as needed

🌻 Fertilizers:
Balanced liquid fertilizer monthly during the growing season (March–September); reduce in winter

🦋 Attractiveness to Wildlife:
Generally avoided by pests outdoors; low toxicity to birds but mildly toxic to pets if ingested

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💡 Lahore Growth Note:
In Lahore, Schefflera arboricola grows very well in courtyards, verandas, and shaded gardens. It’s popular in offices and homes due to its low maintenance and tropical foliage. Just avoid overwatering and midday sun.

🌼 May you enjoy planting, potting, and relaxing beside this calming Umbrella Plant (چھتری پتا پودا / شفلرہ) as it adds year-round greenery to your indoor or shaded garden corners.