Umbrella Tree (S. actinophylla): This is the most commonly grown species. The umbrella tree grows up to 8 to 10 feet tall indoors. Large leaves of seven or more large leaflets of up to 12 inches long each are arranged in a pinwheel shape. They are leathery, glossy and deep green.

* ‘Amate’ is a selection that has resistance to Alternaria leaf spot and spider mites. Its growth stays compact even in low light.

Dwarf Schefflera (S. arboricola): The leaves of this species are divided into seven to 11 short, glossy, green leaflets up to 4 inches long. A few cultivars have golden or variegated foliage. Young plants will have smaller leaves with fewer leaflets. The leaves are thicker than those of S. actinophylla.

* ‘Green Gold’ has gold splashed leaves.
* ‘Pittmans Pride’ is a dwarf, compact form.

False Aralia (S. elegantissima): The leaves of false aralia are made up of seven to nine leaflets that are narrow, linear, and dark green to blackish. False aralia is more difficult to grow than other schefflera. The plant can be injured by the low humidity found in homes in winter. Leaf drop often occurs when the plant is transferred from a greenhouse to a home. False aralias normally grow to heights of 3’ to 5’ tall indoors.

* ‘Pink Rim’-is an unusual selection with leaflets edged in soft pink when emerging, fading to cream.