Variegated Dwarf Umbrella Tree for Sale - Buying & Growing Guide

Planting and Care

by John Haryasz | Horticulture Writer and Landscape Designer – last update on July 19, 2022

Planting instructions

Since you’ll likely need to grow your variegated dwarf umbrella tree indoors for at least part of the year, you’ll need to take time to find the best growing location in your home. The ideal area for one of these plants receives about four hours of indirect light per day. You should also take time to choose a suitable soil type for your variegated dwarf umbrella tree. Typically, these plants perform best in soil that drains well, including sandy soils. The container you use should also allow for excellent drainage to ensure this plant does not get waterlogged.

Watering and nutrients

While some plants will respond well to a pre-set watering frequency, variegated dwarf umbrella trees are a bit different. Rather than choosing to water daily, weekly, or monthly, you should water your plant based on the dryness of the soil. When you notice the first 2 inches or so of soil have become dry, it’s time to add water. Variegated dwarf umbrella trees may also survive in the absence of fertilization. However, with monthly feedings of a balanced fertilizer, this tree will exhibit more vigorous growth.

Pollination

When growing a variegated dwarf umbrella tree, you should not worry about pollination. The primary reason that gardeners grow this cultivated species is to enjoy the impressive leaves that it holds. Variegated dwarf umbrella trees do not produce fruits that people like to eat, which is why you won’t need to spend time trying to pollinate any flowers that may appear on this plant. Instead, you can simply enjoy the appearance of this plant rather than facilitating a healthy harvest.

Pruning

The best time to prune a variegated dwarf umbrella tree is during the late winter, just prior to the plant entering its active growing phase. When pruning, you should use tools that are both sharp and completely sterile to ensure clean cuts and reduce the spread of disease. Prune your variegated dwarf umbrella tree to remove any stems or leaves that show signs of disease or damage. This plant allows its older leaves to die. When this occurs, you should remove those spent leaves with your pruning cuts.

Pests, diseases, and animals

There are a few pests that can attack your variegated dwarf umbrella tree and threaten its health. Most of these pests are common garden insects, including aphids and mites. Occasionally, a variegated dwarf umbrella tree may also experience buildups of mold and mildew. However, most of the complications you experience when growing one of these plants will be the result of improper care, including incorrect watering and light exposure, rather than being due to an infection or infestation.

Achieving maximum results

Variegated dwarf umbrella trees prefer to live in places that have a relatively warm air temperature. Often, 60 degrees Fahrenheit represents the lowest temperature this plant can tolerate. When growing this plant, 70 degrees Fahrenheit is often a better level at which to set your thermostat. When the air temperature drops too low for a variegated dwarf umbrella tree, you’ll notice the signs right away, which often include leaf drops. Misting is also an important maintenance task to ensure this plant receives the humidity it enjoys.

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