Schefflera, also known as the umbrella plant, is a popular houseplant admired for its glossy leaves and elegant upright growth. It is easy to care for and adapts well to indoor environments with stable light and watering routines. Providing bright indirect light and well-draining soil helps the plant stay healthy and vibrant. With occasional pruning and proper watering, Schefflera can grow into a striking indoor tree. This guide covers everything you need to know to care for Schefflera successfully at home.
The world we live in is suffering from various issues because of the way humans are treating the environment. It’s hard to deny climate change as we see the global average temperatures increase and droughts become more frequent. Growing healthy houseplants in this climate would not be easy—they tend to wither from the heat and have a shorter life expectancy. However, things can look up a bit if you choose succulents and cacti over other houseplants. They are resilient enough to withstand high temperatures and a low water condition.
Succulents are plants that have water-storing tissues to adapt to a harshly dry environment. Cacti, also belonging to the succulent family, have dead tissues turning into spines for shading and protection. Succulents are present on 6 continents and survive extreme weather conditions all around the world. Most cacti can tolerate temperatures up to 120 degrees Fahrenheit. Some of them can become dormant when the weather is too hot or too cold, and turn active again when the temperatures are ideal for their growth.
Succulents are the perfect option for the drought condition because they only require watering every week or more during their growing season, typically from April to October. They don't even need any water during their dormant period. Succulents’ biggest fear is to be overwatered because it's the easiest way for their roots to get rotten. You can contribute to the amelioration of the water crisis by choosing succulents and cacti over regular houseplants, which usually need watering almost every day.
In the U.S., especially in drought-affected areas such as California, it’s becoming more and more common to see public and private spaces in cities and communities being decorated with succulents. They provide brilliant textures, also bloom beautiful flowers while requiring so much less water compared to annual flowers. California has adopted drought restrictions on wasteful water uses that apply to all residents, businesses and government entities. So it’s time you start adjusting your watering habits if you don’t want a complaint filed against you by your neighbors.
Growing succulents is a great solution to create beautiful landscapes with a variety of colors, shapes, and textures while helping the environment by preserving the water supply in the time of climate change. Give these low-maintenance, high-impact species a try and you’ll be amazed not only by how great your garden looks but also by how much water you can save for your household and for the world.
See more about HOW AND WHEN YOU SHOULD BOTTOM WATER YOUR SUCCULENTS
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