Pest identification
What's eating my umbrella tree?
Spider mites
Signs: Bronze or yellow stippling on leaflets; fine webbing beneath leaves; leaf drop in heavy infestations
Control: Shower the plant, increase humidity, spray all leaf surfaces with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly
Mealybugs
Signs: White fluff in leaf axils and along stems; sticky honeydew causing sooty mold on lower leaves
Control: Dab with isopropyl alcohol, spray with neem oil solution, isolate the plant and repeat every 10 days
Scale insects
Signs: Waxy brown or cream bumps on stems and leaf undersides; weakened, yellowing foliage
Control: Scrape off with a soft brush, apply horticultural oil or systemic imidacloprid soil drench for severe cases
Aphids
Signs: Clusters on soft new leaflets; distorted growth; sticky honeydew attracting mold
Control: Wipe or blast off with water; spray with insecticidal soap; introduce predatory insects outdoors
Keep umbrella tree pest-free
Healthy plants resist pests best. Get the basics right:
Umbrella Tree pests — FAQ
What is eating my umbrella tree?
Umbrella Tree (Heptapleurum actinophyllum, syn. Schefflera actinophylla) is a classic houseplant frequently targeted by spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects, especially in warm, dry rooms. Aphids attack new growth. Its large leaflets provide ample surface area for pests to establish large colonies quickly.
How do I get rid of spider mites on umbrella tree?
Bronze or yellow stippling on leaflets; fine webbing beneath leaves; leaf drop in heavy infestations Shower the plant, increase humidity, spray all leaf surfaces with neem oil or insecticidal soap weekly
How do I get rid of mealybugs on umbrella tree?
White fluff in leaf axils and along stems; sticky honeydew causing sooty mold on lower leaves Dab with isopropyl alcohol, spray with neem oil solution, isolate the plant and repeat every 10 days
How do I get rid of scale insects on umbrella tree?
Waxy brown or cream bumps on stems and leaf undersides; weakened, yellowing foliage Scrape off with a soft brush, apply horticultural oil or systemic imidacloprid soil drench for severe cases
How do I get rid of aphids on umbrella tree?
Clusters on soft new leaflets; distorted growth; sticky honeydew attracting mold Wipe or blast off with water; spray with insecticidal soap; introduce predatory insects outdoors