How to prune dwarf umbrella plant

Spring; light trimming acceptable any time during the growing season. Cut stems back to just above a leaf node using sharp, clean pruners. For bonsai-style shaping, selectively remove branches to define the desired silhouette. Pinch out soft growing tips throughout summer to encourage dense, bushy growth. Remove any all-green stems if growing a variegated cultivar.

Annually in spring for main shaping; tip-pinching through the growing season as desired. Dwarf Umbrella Plant (Heptapleurum arboricola, formerly Schefflera arboricola) tolerates and benefits from regular pruning to keep its compact, bushy form. It is frequently shaped as a bonsai. Prune in spring by cutting stems back to a leaf node. It responds vigorously by branching below the cut, making it one of the more rewarding houseplants to shape.

Cut stems back to just above a leaf node using sharp, clean pruners. For bonsai-style shaping, selectively remove branches to define the desired silhouette. Pinch out soft growing tips throughout summer to encourage dense, bushy growth. Remove any all-green stems if growing a variegated cultivar.