Chinese Money Plant
Pilea peperomioides
Pet-safe
Schefflera Amate
Schefflera actinophylla · Araliaceae
Easy
Toxic to pets
Schefflera actinophylla, sold widely under the cultivar name 'Amate', is a large-leaved tropical tree native to Australia and New Guinea that has become a popular indoor specimen plant. In its natural habitat it can reach 15 metres or more, but as a houseplant it is typically kept to between 1.5 and 3 metres. The 'Amate' selection is particularly valued for its tolerance of lower light and indoor air conditions compared with standard Schefflera actinophylla.
☀ Light
Bright, indirect light; tolerates moderate light
💧 Water
Water when top 2-3 cm of soil are dry
🌡 Temp
15-30°C
💦 Humidity
Moderate to high; above 50% preferred
🌿 Soil
Well-draining, peat-free multipurpose mix with added perlite
🍽 Feeding
Balanced liquid fertiliser monthly in spring and summer
Photo: J.M.Garg / CC BY-SA 3.0 via Wikimedia Commons
How to care for Schefflera Amate
Light
Schefflera 'Amate' performs best in bright, indirect light but will adapt to moderate indoor light, which is one of the traits that distinguishes it from the straight species. Avoid prolonged direct summer sun through glass, which can scorch the large leaflets. A position a metre or two back from a south- or west-facing window is often ideal. In very low light growth slows considerably and the plant may lose lower leaves.
Watering
Allow the top 2-3 cm of compost to dry out between waterings before watering thoroughly until water drains freely from the pot. Empty saucers after 30 minutes to prevent root rot. Reduce watering frequency in autumn and winter when growth slows. Overwatering is the most common cause of decline; the plant tolerates a degree of drought far better than it tolerates waterlogged roots.
Soil and potting
Use a well-draining, loam-based or peat-free multipurpose compost mixed with 20-30% perlite or coarse grit to improve aeration and drainage. Schefflera roots need good oxygen levels; compacted or heavy compost leads rapidly to root rot. A slightly acidic to neutral pH of 6.0-7.0 is suitable.
Feeding
Feed with a balanced, water-soluble fertiliser (such as 20-20-20 NPK) diluted to half strength once a month during the active growing season from March to September. Do not feed in autumn and winter when the plant is resting. Over-feeding can cause salt build-up in the compost; flush the pot with plain water every few months to prevent this.
Humidity and temperature
This species originates from tropical and subtropical Queensland and New Guinea, so it prefers temperatures between 15 and 30°C and should not be exposed to temperatures below 10°C or frost. It appreciates humidity above 50%; in centrally heated homes, grouping plants together, placing the pot on a pebble tray with water, or using a humidifier will help. Keep the plant away from cold draughts, radiators and air-conditioning vents.
Repotting
Repot every 2-3 years in spring when roots begin to emerge from the drainage holes or the plant is visibly pot-bound. Move up only one pot size at a time, typically 5 cm larger in diameter, as excessively large pots retain moisture and increase the risk of root rot. Gently loosen the root ball, remove any dead or rotting roots, and use fresh compost. Mature specimens can be top-dressed annually instead of full repotting.
Pruning
Prune in spring to control height and encourage a bushier habit. Cut stems back to just above a leaf node using clean, sharp secateurs. Wearing gloves is advisable as the sap can cause skin irritation in some people. Removing any dead, damaged or crossing stems at any time of year keeps the plant tidy and improves air circulation. The plant responds well to pruning and will produce new growth from cut stems.
Is Schefflera Amate toxic?
Pets: Toxic. According to the ASPCA, Schefflera actinophylla is toxic to dogs and cats. The plant contains calcium oxalate crystals, which can cause oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing if ingested.
People: Mildly irritating; the sap may cause skin or eye irritation in sensitive individuals and the plant should be kept out of reach of young children.
People: Mildly irritating; the sap may cause skin or eye irritation in sensitive individuals and the plant should be kept out of reach of young children.
Common problems
Yellow leaves, particularly lower ones
Likely cause: Overwatering or waterlogged compost leading to root stress Fix: Allow the compost to dry out more between waterings; check roots for rot and repot into fresh, well-draining mix if necessary
Leaf drop, especially after moving the plant
Likely cause: Environmental stress from a change in light, temperature or draughts Fix: Place the plant in a stable position away from draughts and temperature fluctuations; avoid moving it unnecessarily and allow it time to acclimatise
Brown, crispy leaf tips or edges
Likely cause: Low humidity, fluoride sensitivity or inconsistent watering Fix: Increase ambient humidity, use rainwater or filtered water if possible, and maintain a consistent watering routine
Sticky residue on leaves and stems; small brown or white bumps
Likely cause: Scale insects feeding on plant sap Fix: Remove individual scales manually with a cotton swab dipped in isopropyl alcohol; treat the whole plant with horticultural soap or neem oil, repeating weekly for several weeks
Fine webbing on undersides of leaves; stippled or pale foliage
Likely cause: Spider mite infestation, more common in dry, warm conditions Fix: Increase humidity, wipe leaves with a damp cloth, and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil; isolate the plant to prevent spread
Leggy, sparse growth with widely spaced leaves
Likely cause: Insufficient light Fix: Move the plant to a brighter position with more indirect light; avoid sudden exposure to full direct sun
How to propagate
Stem cuttings
Take a stem cutting of 10-15 cm with at least two leaf nodes in spring or early summer, remove the lower leaves, and insert into a mix of perlite and moist compost. Cover with a clear plastic bag or propagator lid to maintain humidity and place in a warm, bright spot (around 21-24°C); roots typically develop within 4-8 weeks.
Air layering
Select a healthy stem, wound it by removing a ring of bark or making an upward diagonal cut, pack moist sphagnum moss around the wound, and wrap tightly in clear polythene film secured at both ends. Once roots are visible through the moss after several weeks, cut the stem below the rooted section and pot up.
Seed
Fresh seed can be sown on the surface of moist, well-draining seed compost at around 20-24°C; germination is erratic and may take several weeks. This method is rarely practical for home growers as fresh seed can be difficult to source and the 'Amate' cultivar characteristics are not reliably reproduced from seed.
Where Schefflera Amate comes from
Native to Queensland (Australia), Northern Territory (Australia), New Guinea (Papua New Guinea and Indonesia).
Story and origins
The genus name Schefflera honours Jacob Christian Scheffler (1698-1742), a German botanist and physician from Danzig. The species epithet actinophylla derives from the Greek words 'aktinos' (ray) and 'phyllon' (leaf), referring to the distinctive radiating arrangement of the leaflets around the tip of the leaf stalk, which resembles the spokes of a wheel or the rays of the sun.
Schefflera actinophylla was formally described by the German botanist Heinrich Gustav Adolf Engler in 1867, based on specimens collected from Queensland, Australia. It was introduced to horticulture in the late 19th and early 20th centuries and became popular as a large specimen plant for tropical landscaping in warm climates. Its adoption as an indoor plant accelerated during the latter half of the 20th century as demand grew for bold, easy-care foliage plants. The 'Amate' cultivar, introduced commercially in the 1980s and 1990s, significantly broadened its appeal by improving its performance under the lower light and humidity levels typical of homes and offices.
Varieties to know
Schefflera actinophylla 'Amate'
The most widely sold cultivar for indoor use; selected for improved tolerance of low light, low humidity and indoor conditions compared with the straight species
Schefflera actinophylla 'Amate Soleil'
A variegated sport of 'Amate' with bright yellow-green marbling on the foliage; requires brighter light to maintain variegation
Schefflera arboricola 'Compacta'
A closely related dwarf species sometimes sold alongside actinophylla; smaller in all parts and more suitable for smaller spaces
Fun facts
- In its native Queensland, Schefflera actinophylla is considered a significant environmental weed in Florida, Hawaii and parts of South Africa, where it escapes cultivation and out-competes native vegetation.
- The 'Amate' cultivar was specifically selected by a plant breeder working for Amate International in the 1980s after screening hundreds of seedlings for superior indoor performance.
- Wild Schefflera actinophylla produces long, dramatic flower spikes reaching up to 2 metres covered in small red flowers that are a major nectar source for birds in Australia; flowering almost never occurs indoors.
- The plant is hemiepiphytic in the wild, meaning it can begin life as a seedling germinating on a host tree and sending roots down to the ground, eventually engulfing and killing the host tree, earning it the nickname 'strangler'.
- Schefflera actinophylla leaflets radiate from a central point on the petiole, an arrangement known as palmate compound, which gave rise to both the 'umbrella' and 'octopus' common names.
Schefflera Amate FAQ
Why is my Schefflera dropping leaves?
Leaf drop is most commonly triggered by a change in environment, such as moving the plant to a new position, exposure to cold draughts, or sudden changes in temperature. Overwatering and underwatering can also cause it. Keep the plant in a stable, draught-free spot and water consistently; it should stabilise within a few weeks.
How often should I water my Schefflera Amate?
There is no fixed schedule as it depends on the pot size, season and environment. A practical approach is to check the top 2-3 cm of compost with your finger; water thoroughly when that layer is dry, and allow excess water to drain away fully. In winter this may mean watering as infrequently as once every 2-3 weeks.
Is Schefflera Amate safe to have around my cat or dog?
No. Schefflera actinophylla is classified as toxic to dogs and cats by the ASPCA. Ingestion can cause oral irritation, vomiting and drooling due to calcium oxalate crystals in the plant tissues. Keep it out of reach of pets, or choose a non-toxic alternative if that is not possible.
Can Schefflera Amate survive in a low-light room?
The 'Amate' cultivar was specifically selected for improved tolerance of lower light compared with standard Schefflera actinophylla. It can manage in moderate indoor light, but growth will be slow and the plant may become leggy over time. A position near a bright window with indirect light will keep it healthier long term.
How do I make my Schefflera bushier?
Prune the main stems back to just above a leaf node in spring. This removes the apical dominance of the growing tips and encourages the plant to produce new side shoots, resulting in a denser, more compact shape. Ensure the plant receives adequate light after pruning to support the new growth.
What is the difference between Schefflera actinophylla and Schefflera arboricola?
Schefflera actinophylla is the larger species, with broader leaflets and a more upright, tree-like growth habit, and is the species to which 'Amate' belongs. Schefflera arboricola, often called the Dwarf Umbrella Tree, is significantly smaller with more numerous but smaller leaflets and a more shrubby, compact form. Both are grown as houseplants but arboricola is better suited to smaller spaces.
Will my Schefflera Amate flower indoors?
It is extremely unlikely. In the wild, Schefflera actinophylla produces spectacular long red flower spikes, but indoor specimens very rarely flower because they do not receive the intensity of light, the temperature fluctuations, or the seasonal cues they would experience outdoors in a tropical climate.
