☂️ Dwarf Umbrella Tree

☀️ Light

Bright indirect light ideal · East- or west-facing window preferred. Tolerates medium and lower light but growth slows and leaves may drop. No direct afternoon sun — scorches leaves · Some gentle morning sun is fine. Variegated varieties need more light to maintain leaf colour. Rotate ¼ turn every few weeks for even, balanced growth.

💧 Water

• Allow top 2–3 cm of soil to dry between waterings
• Soak thoroughly, drain fully
• Never let sit in water · Root rot risk is high
• Reduce in autumn/winter — keep slightly moist, do not let fully dry out
• Leaves turn black before dropping = overwatering
• Leaf drop = overwatering (most common), underwatering, cold, or sudden change in conditions

🪴 Soil

• Rich, well-draining mix · Potting soil + perlite + coarse sand
• Neutral to slightly acidic pH (6.0–6.5)
• Always use a pot with drainage holes
• Shallow root system — do not overpot; excess soil around small roots holds moisture and causes rot

🌡️ Temperature

• Ideal: 16–28 °C
• Tolerates a range of 15–32 °C
• Minimum: 10 °C — cold damage and leaf drop occur below this
• Avoid cold drafts, A/C vents, open windows in winter, and sudden temperature fluctuations
• New plant dropping leaves after purchase? Normal — it is adjusting to its new environment

💦 Humidity

• Average household humidity (50–55%) is sufficient · Not as demanding as many tropicals
• Higher humidity encourages aerial root development
• Mist occasionally in dry winter air
• Pebble tray or grouping with other plants helpful in heated or air-conditioned rooms

🌱 Feeding

• Every 4–6 weeks spring/summer
• Balanced liquid fertilizer at half strength
• Reduce to once every 2–3 months in autumn/winter as growth slows
• Over-fertilising causes salt buildup and leaf burn · Flush soil occasionally
• Less is more — this is not a heavy feeder