Schefflera gold capella is a dwarf, variegated variety of the umbrella tree – schefflera.

All schefflera plants are outstanding and easy to grow indoor plants.

In temperate locations, they are large and graceful tropical plants. In colder climates, they are often used in interior decorating for homes and offices.

They are a superb and long-lasting houseplant and very easy to grow.

Easy to grow schefflera gold capella

Brush up on your knowledge of gold capella with these fun facts.

botanical name – schefflera arboricola ‘capella’
family – araliaceae
type – evergreen shrub
native home – Schefflera arboricola is native to Taiwan and Hainan Province. The gold capella variant is a cultivar of this plant.
common names – dwarf umbrella plant, dwarf umbrella tree, variegated arboricola, gold capella, variegated dwarf umbrella, octopus plant
feng shui – The leaves are thought to capture positive energy and the plant is considered to attract wealth to the residents.

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Schefflera arboricola 'capella' is a variegated variety of the dwarf umbrella tree. It is an easy-care houseplant and is thought to bring good luck and wealth to the home. Find out how to grow it on The Gardening Cook. Share on X

This dwarf umbrella plant is easy to grow

Schefflera arboricola ‘Capella’ is commonly known as a dwarf umbrella plant.

Variegated dwarf schefflera plants are easy are to look after and will withstand some neglect. They are also useful in helping to clean the surrounding air.

The leaves have a glossy oval shape and are dark green in color with showy creamy white variegations.

The leaves form in clusters of 7-9 leaflets and, looking at them, it is easy to see why it is called an umbrella plant.

This variety of the dwarf umbrella plant is easy to grow. Just follow these simple dwarf umbrella tree care tips:

Temperature needs for gold capella

This schefflera plant is tropical. Keep above 40° F. It is not hardy in most zones below zone 9.

Avoid cold drafts.

Watering and fertilizer needs for schefflera gold capella

Water when the soil has become just slightly dry. Water thoroughly and allow to drain freely.

Don’t let the plant sit in water. They like to be moist but not wet.

Add an all purpose fertilizer monthly when actively growing, but hold off during the winter months when the plant rests.

Mature size of schefflera gold

The plant will grow to about 3 feet tall and 2 feet wide indoors.

It has a medium rate of growth and will last about 10 years under ideal conditions indoors.

Dwarf umbrella plants can be trained as bonsai trees.

Light and humidity needs for schefflera arboricola gold capella

Give the plant bright filtered light. The variegation in the leaves will show best when the plant is near a window.

In low light conditions, the plant will still grow but the leaves are more likely to revert to a mainly green color.

Insufficient light may also cause the growth to become leggy.

Additional humidity in the form of misting will help to make a very healthy plant!

Pruning dwarf umbrella plant

Prune regularly to keep the plant bushy. If your plant gets too leggy, the stems can be cut back and it will get more bushy.

Use pruners to cut the spindly stems back to a few inches below where you want the plant to bush out. New growth will appear above this cut.

Propagating schefflera gold capella

Dwarf variegated umbrella plant grows easily from cuttings and gives you new plants for free.

Take cuttings of the stems of the plant. Place potting soil in a pot and water the soil well.

Place the pot in a place that gets steady light but not direct sunlight. The stem will begin to grow roots within a few weeks.

You can also root schefflera cuttings in water before placing them in soil.

Schefflera arboricola capella toxicity

Many indoor plants have levels of toxicity.

This plant is considered mildly toxic, especially to felines. The sap from the schefflera plant may pain to the tongue, mouth and throat.

Keep away from pets and children. Do not eat any parts of the plant.

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Pests and problems for dwarf variegated umbrella tree

Be on the look out for spider mites and mealybugs, two insects that often infest indoor plants.

Treat with neem oil, if found.

Root rot, caused by overwatering, can also be a problem.

Where to purchase schefflera arboricola ‘capella’

I have found this plant at both Lowe’s, Walmart, and Home Depot in the past, so you can check there. Your local Farmer’s Market is also a good place to look.

There are many places to buy gold capella online.

Etsy has it from many sellers
You can find it on Amazon

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Admin note: this post for growing schefflera gold capella first appeared on the blog in August of 2013. I have updated the post to add new photos, a how to grow project card, and a video for you to enjoy.

Yield: 1 happy plant

How to Grow Schefflera Arboricola Capella

Schefflera Arboricola Capella is a tough, low maintenance house plant. It is also known as dwarf variegated umbrella tree.

Active Time 30 minutes

Total Time 30 minutes

Difficulty easy

Materials

Schefflera Arboricola Capella plant
All purposed fertilizer

Tools

Watering can

Instructions

Place your plant in a location that gets bright indirect light. If the light conditions are too low, the plant will get leggy and revert to the all green leaves.
Choose a location that will not go below 40 degrees and avoid direct drafts.
Fertilize monthly in spring and summer. Cease fertilizing in the winter months.
If the plant gets leggy, prune the stems. New growth will appear above the cut.
The top part of the stem can be used to create new plants.

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janis wallin

Wednesday 31st of October 2018

one of my stalks is mostly brown and the stems of leaves are really dropping. Should I prune it or just cut the stalk. It looks in bad shape. Can I use scissors to cut the stalk or just add water and more fertilizer. The other two stalks look pretty good. How do I prune it? Can I save this plant?

Carol

Hi Janis. Brown stalks can be either a case of overwatering or underwatering (apart from major diseases) If the stem is mushy and brown, it's been watered too much. IF it's brittle and brown, this indicates lack of watering.

It is not a good idea to fertilize damaged plants, especially this time of the year. You can cut the stalk, but it will send up two new shoots at the point where you cut them, which will change the look of the shape.

You can also cut the whole brown stalk off and this won't hurt the plant, since the other two stalks are healthy looking. Carol

Nancy A Bartlett

Tuesday 27th of February 2018

I need to re pot the plant,i have had now for a year. I need to know what kind of pot and soil to use. It's a indoor plant.

Hi Nancy. Generally you will repot into a pot 1/3 larger than the existing one and use fresh all purpose potting soil. Carol