How to care for the umbrella tree? 5 key points to remember

If you enjoy growing plants indoors, you have probably heard of the umbrella tree. The umbrella tree is a great plant for purifying indoor air, but many people are not quite sure how to care for it when growing it. So, what should you pay attention to when growing the umbrella tree? Below, the editor introduces 5 key points.

What should you pay attention to when growing the umbrella tree?

1. Light: Avoid exposure to scorching sun. When sunlight is intense from May to September, shade appropriately by blocking 30%-40% of the light, otherwise the leaves will lose their proper gloss and even become scorched, withered and yellow. In particular, do not suddenly move a plant placed in a shady spot to a spot with intense light, lest the leaves be scorched and burnt at the edges. At other times, give it plenty of sunlight.

2. Watering: During the growing period, water generously to keep the potting soil moist. Especially in summer, when growth is vigorous, replenish water promptly to promote plant growth. But avoid over-wetness, otherwise the leaves will droop and lose their gloss, the leaves will fall off, and the plant may even rot at the roots and die entirely. Watering during the growing season should follow the rule of "do not water until dry, and when you water, water thoroughly." In winter, control watering and keep the potting soil on the dry side.

3. Fertilizing: During the growing period, apply a nitrogen-based fertilizer 1-2 times a month to promote the growth of branches and leaves and make the leaves large and glossy. After autumn begins, stop applying nitrogen fertilizer and apply only phosphorus and potassium fertilizer to improve the plant's cold resistance. Stop fertilizing in winter.

4. Temperature: The most suitable temperature for growth is 20-30°C. High summer temperatures are favorable for plant growth. It is not cold-tolerant; when the temperature is low, it easily drops leaves and may even be left with only bare stems. In winter, it is best to maintain 18-20°C, and the overwintering temperature should not be lower than 5°C.

5. Pruning: When the seedling is 15-20 cm tall, pinch off the growing tip to encourage branching. Because it rarely branches naturally, and as the lower old leaves gradually fall off, the lower part of the plant will become bare after it grows to a certain height. Therefore, every spring, combine repotting with topping to encourage branching, control height, and form a good plant shape.

The editor suggests that when propagating the umbrella tree, it is best to choose spring or summer, because the umbrella tree is rather afraid of cold, so it is not easy to propagate in winter. Spring and summer are the seasons of warm winds, so propagation is somewhat easier.