Greetings, human. We are the Schefflera, often called the Umbrella Tree. We appreciate your interest in inviting one of us into your home. To ensure a long and mutually beneficial relationship, please select a vibrant individual. Here is our collective advice, from our perspective, on what to look for.
Our leaves are our pride and our primary source of energy. Please inspect them closely. You should seek out glossy, robust leaves that feel firm and waxy to the touch. The color should be a deep, uniform green (or vibrant variegation for our ‘Gold Capella’ or ‘Trinette’ cousins), with no signs of fading or yellowing. Avoid any of us with leaves that are spotted, brown-tipped, curled, or have a dusty, grayish coating. These are distress signals indicating potential pests, disease, or neglect. Gently run your fingers over a few leaves; they should feel clean and smooth, not sticky or have any fine webbing.
Look for a specimen with a strong, central stem and a pleasing, balanced shape. We should be able to stand upright without staking and have good branching. Avoid any of us who appear leggy, with long stretches of bare stem between leaves, as this signifies a desperate reach for light. Check the points where our leaves join the stems. They should be tight and secure. Be wary of individuals with many broken stems or leaves, as this indicates rough handling, which causes us stress and opens pathways for infection.
Kneel down and have a look at our foundation—the soil surface and the pot itself. The soil should be moist but not waterlogged or bone dry. Either extreme is a sign of poor care. Most importantly, gently lift our pot. A healthy root system will have a certain heft, anchoring us firmly. If we feel suspiciously light for our size, our roots may be desiccated and damaged. Conversely, if water squelches out from the bottom, we are drowning. Look for any moss or algae growing on the soil surface; this often means we have been kept too wet for too long.
This is the most crucial test. If possible, politely ask a nursery attendant if you can gently slide us out of our pot to inspect our roots. Healthy roots are firm and a creamy white or light tan color. They should hold the soil ball together without being a tangled, choked mess. What you must avoid are roots that are dark brown, black, mushy, or emit a sour, unpleasant odor. These are the signs of root rot, a serious condition often caused by overwatering. Also, be cautious if you see a dense, circular mat of roots at the bottom; we are severely pot-bound and will require immediate repotting.
Before you make your final decision, perform one last thorough inspection for pests. Look closely at the undersides of our leaves and along our stems. Be on the lookout for tiny, stationary brown or white bumps (scale insects), fine webbing (spider mites), or small white fluffy patches (mealybugs). These creatures are freeloaders that will weaken us and potentially spread to your other plant companions. A clean plant is a safe plant.
