Upcoming Events: Tissue Culture Workshop Oct 3 @ 11 am / Succulent Pumpkin Workshop Oct 4 @ 2 pm / Plant Swap Oct. 10 @ 10 am / Stained Glass Workshop Sunday Oct. 11th @ 2 pm
Capella Arboricola Bush is a bright, full tropical foliage plant known for its clusters of glossy, hand-shaped leaves and attractive green-and-gold variegation. Each leaf is divided into multiple oval leaflets arranged like the spokes of an umbrella, with splashes and patches of creamy yellow, golden yellow, and green. Its dense, bushy growth makes it an excellent choice for adding color and height without requiring a large tree-form houseplant.
This plant is commonly sold as Schefflera arboricola ‘Gold Capella’, Gold Capella Schefflera, or Dwarf Umbrella Tree. Its currently accepted botanical classification is Heptapleurum arboricola ‘Gold Capella’, although Schefflera arboricola remains extremely common in the houseplant trade. “Bush” refers to the way multiple stems are grown together to create a fuller plant rather than a separate cultivar.
Capella Arboricola does best in bright, indirect light and can tolerate some gentle direct sunlight. Good light helps maintain its yellow and cream variegation and encourages dense growth. It can adapt to medium light, but the foliage may become greener and growth less compact.
Water when the top 1–2 inches of soil feel dry, then water thoroughly and allow excess water to drain. Avoid keeping the soil constantly wet, as prolonged moisture can cause root problems. Some leaf drop can occur if the plant experiences major changes in watering, light, or temperature.
Use a well-draining, airy potting mix that retains some moisture without becoming waterlogged. A quality indoor potting mix amended with perlite, pumice, or fine orchid bark works well. Always use a container with adequate drainage.
Capella Arboricola prefers warm temperatures and moderate humidity. Typical household conditions are generally suitable. Keep it away from cold drafts, heating or air-conditioning vents, and sudden temperature changes.
This plant naturally develops an upright, branching habit and responds very well to pruning. Pinching or trimming growing tips encourages additional branching and helps maintain a dense, bushy shape. With time, individual stems can become woody and tree-like, while regular pruning can keep the overall plant compact and full.
Capella Arboricola is toxic to cats and dogs if chewed or ingested. It contains irritating compounds, including calcium oxalate crystals, that can cause mouth irritation, drooling, vomiting, and difficulty swallowing. Keep it out of reach of pets and small children.
Upcoming Events: Tissue Culture Workshop Oct 3 @ 11 am / Succulent Pumpkin Workshop Oct 4 @ 2 pm / Plant Swap Oct. 10 @ 10 am / Stained Glass Workshop Sunday Oct. 11th @ 2 pm
