Greetings from the forest! To understand how to care for us, you must first know where we come from. I, the Emerald Tree (scientifically known as *Philodendron bipinnatifidum*, and often confused with my cousin *Thaumatophyllum bipinnatifidum*), hail from the humid, warm regions of South America. My roots are accustomed to rich, well-draining soil on the forest floor, and I thrive under the dappled light that filters through the canopy above. The Umbrella Tree (*Schefflera arboricola*), on the other hand, originates from the sunny, subtropical forests of Taiwan and Hainan. It is used to brighter conditions and can even tolerate some direct sun. Our differing ancestries are the root of our care requirements.
Water is life, but the amount and frequency are crucial. I, the Emerald Tree, prefer a consistent level of moisture. My large, lobed leaves transpire a fair amount of water, so I enjoy a drink when the top inch or two of soil feels dry. However, I despise having my roots sit in water; it leads to a dreaded condition called root rot. The Umbrella Tree is considerably more drought-tolerant. Its smaller, denser leaves lose water less rapidly. It prefers to dry out more thoroughly between waterings. In terms of humidity, I crave it. Misting my leaves or placing me near a humidifier makes me feel right at home. The Umbrella Tree is more adaptable to average household humidity, though it certainly won't complain about a little extra moisture in the air.
Light is our food, and our preferences are distinct. As a denizen of the understory, I, the Emerald Tree, am happiest in bright, indirect light. A spot a few feet away from a north or east-facing window is ideal. Harsh, direct sunlight will scorch my beautiful, deep green leaves, causing unsightly brown patches. The Umbrella Tree is a sun-worshipper by comparison. It thrives in bright, indirect light but can handle several hours of direct morning or late afternoon sun. In fact, insufficient light can cause it to become leggy as it stretches towards the light source. While I would languish in a sunny spot, the Umbrella Tree would revel in it.
Observing our growth habits will tell you a lot about our needs. I am a bit of a sprawler. I grow from a central stem, but my large, deeply cut leaves can spread outwards significantly, demanding a fair amount of space. I am not a fastidious climber, but I appreciate support as I mature. The Umbrella Tree has a more upright, woody growth habit. It can be pruned to encourage a bushier form or trained as a standard tree. It is generally more amenable to shaping than I am. Both of us are considered moderate to fast growers when our conditions are met, but the Umbrella Tree often has a slight edge in speed, especially with ample light.
This is an important point for the safety of your other household inhabitants. Both the Emerald Tree and the Umbrella Tree contain compounds that are irritating if ingested. Our sap contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause discomfort to the mouth and digestive tract of curious pets or children. The Umbrella Tree is often cited as being particularly problematic in this regard. It is wise to place both of us in a location where we can be admired but not nibbled on. Always wash your hands after handling our leaves or stems, especially during pruning, to avoid any skin irritation.
