In the midst of our busy life, it’s easy to forget the simple things that bring us joy. For some people, it’s spending time with family or traveling to new places. For others, it’s tending to a garden and marveling at the beauty of nature. If you’re one of those people who find solace in taking care of plants, then you’ll love learning about the Schefflera Gold Capella.
| Botanical Name | Schefflera Arboricola Gold Capella |
| Common Name | Variegated Hawaiian Elf Schefflera, Umbrella Plant |
| Plant Type | Perennial |
| Flower Color | Pink, red or white |
| Size When Mature | 48 – 72 inches |
| Bloom Time | Summer |
| Sun Requirements | Partial Sun |
| USDA Hardiness Zones | 10 – 12 |
| Soil PH Range | 6.0 – 6.5 |
| Soil Type | Moist, rich, slightly acidic |
| Water Needs | Medium |
| Native Area | Taiwan |
What You Need to Know About Schefflera Gold Capella
Also known as the Variegated Hawaiian Elf Schefflera or Umbrella Tree, the Schefflera Gold Capella is a beautiful plant native to Taiwan. It’s an evergreen with glossy, dark green leaves variegated with yellow and cream-colored stripes.
Unlike some other plants, the Gold Capella is happy to grow indoors or out, as long as it has the right conditions. This stunning plant can grow up to 6 feet tall indoors and can reach heights up to 25 feet tall outdoors.
Keep this plant away from pets, though. There had been reports of the Gold Capella causing vomiting, nausea, intense burning sensation, and diarrhea in dogs and cats.
Its flowers are small and insignificant, but its beauty lies in its foliage. It rarely blooms when grown indoors, but outdoors, it produces pink, red, or white flowers that make an appearance during summer.
How to Care for Schefflera Gold Capella
Here’s everything you need to know about growing and caring for a thriving Schefflera Gold Capella:
Light
As part of the Araliaceae family, the Gold Capella is used to growing in partially shady areas. When grown indoors, it’s best to place it in an area that gets bright, indirect light. By the window facing east or west would be a great spot. If you don’t have access to a spot like that, you can also place it under fluorescent lighting.
It’s important to not put the Gold Capella in direct sunlight. Its leaves are sensitive and will burn easily.
Water and Soil Needs
This plant is drought-tolerant, so you don’t need to water it often. In fact, it’s more likely to die from overwatering than anything else. Water the plant when the top inch of the soil feels dry. You may use filtered water or allow it to sit for 24 hours before using it, as this will help remove any chlorine.
You’ll know that you’re overwatering when the leaves are turning yellow. Otherwise, if its leaves are dropping, your soil is left too dry for long and needs more watering.
In terms of soil pH, it thrives and grows best in slightly acidic soil, with a pH level between 6.0 and 6.5.
Temperature Requirements
One of the best things about growing the umbrella plant indoors is that you can control the temperature. It prefers warm conditions and will do best in temperatures between 65-75 degrees Fahrenheit.
However, it can tolerate cooler conditions down to 55 degrees Fahrenheit. This is pushing it though, and must be avoided if possible. It doesn’t tolerate cold drafts or sudden temperature changes well. This plant grows best outdoors in USDA zones 10 to 12.
Fertilizer
The best fertilizer to use on a Schefflera Gold Capella is a balanced liquid fertilizer.
When outdoors, Schefflera Gold Capella grows relatively fast. However, its growth will be slower when you choose to have it indoors. To encourage faster growth, fertilize it monthly using a half-strength solution during spring and summer. You can also add slow-release fertilizer to the potting mix when you’re repotting it.
During winter, you can reduce your feeding to once a month. At this time, your tree isn’t actively growing and doesn’t require as much nutrients.
Common Diseases
Alternaria leaf spot and bacterial leaf spot are common diseases affecting Gold Capella. Simply avoid overhead and evening watering to help prevent these issues. If these problems persist, you may try using a copper fungicide on your plant.
Schefflera Gold Capella Propagation
There are two ways to propagate the dwarf umbrella tree: air layering or semi-hardwood cuttings.
Air Layering
The air layering method is a type of vegetative propagation that doesn’t require you to prepare a separate potting mix or worry about taking cuttings. This is a great method to use if you want to propagate a plant that’s difficult to root.
Look for a healthy branch that’s about 6-8 inches long. Using a sharp knife, make a ¼-inch cut on the underside of the branch. Then make a second cut ½ an inch above the first one.
Loosen the bark between the two cuts and apply rooting hormone powder to the exposed wood. Afterward, wrap sphagnum moss around the section and secure it using aluminum foil or clear plastic wrap.
The rooting process can take anywhere from four to eight weeks. Once you see roots growing out of the moss, you can cut the branch below the air layering and pot it up.
Semi-Hardwood Cuttings
Taking semi-hardwood cuttings is a great way to propagate the Schefflera Gold Capella. You can take these cuttings at any time during the growing season, as long as the plant is healthy and not under stress.
To take a cutting, use a sharp knife or pair of shears to cut a 4-6 inch section from the tips of the plant. Make sure that the cutting has at least two leaves.
Remove the bottom leaves and decide whether you want the plant to take root in water or potting mix. If you’re propagating in water, insert the cutting about halfway into the glass. On the other hand, if you’re using a potting mix, make a small hole before inserting the cutting.
Place the container in a spot that’s out of direct sunlight and has high humidity. Keep an eye on the water level, and make sure to add more as needed.
It can take anywhere from four to eight weeks for the cuttings to take root.