Which Schefflera variety to choose?

The Schefflera genus offers several varieties with varied shapes, sizes and colors. Here is how the Schefflera Compacta stands out from other varieties in our catalog:

• Compacta (this plant): shiny solid green foliage, small and dense leaves (H80 cm, Ø19 cm), compact and bushy habit. Perfect for medium spaces, classic green version.
• Actinophylla 'Amate': solid green foliage, very large and spectacular leaves (H100 cm, Ø24 cm), imposing and majestic habit. For large spaces, XXL version.
• Gerda: solid green foliage, medium leaves divided into palmate leaflets, elegant and balanced habit. Elegant and graphic version.
• Gold Capella: variegated green and golden yellow foliage, spectacular bright variegation (H60 cm, Ø17 cm), colorful and bright habit. Golden variegated version that brightens interiors.
• Nora: solid green foliage, elegant and graceful tropical habit. Classic tropical version.
• Compacta 'Nora': compact version of Nora, dense and bushy habit. 
• Charlotte: solid green foliage, elegant and dense habit.

Why choose the Schefflera Compacta? If you are looking for a compact Schefflera (80 cm) with shiny solid green foliage and small, dense leaves that create an elegant bushy effect without being too imposing, the Compacta is the perfect choice. Its compact habit and ease of care make it a safe bet for any interior.

Exposure & placement

The Schefflera Compacta appreciates bright indirect light. It tolerates partial shade but avoids direct sunlight which burns its delicate leaves.

• Exposure: bright indirect light, tolerates partial shade.
• Ideal: living room, office, bedroom, entrance or bright room without direct sunlight.
• Temperature: 18 to 25 °C, without sudden changes.
• Substrate: light, rich and well-drained, universal potting soil with perlite.

Verdeia tip: rotate the plant regularly for even growth and harmonious foliage.

Watering & care

• Watering: moderate; let the substrate dry on the surface between waterings.
• Frequency: about once a week in spring-summer, reduce in winter.
• Drainage: essential — use a pot with drainage holes and well-draining substrate.
• Humidity: tolerates dry air, no need for regular misting.
• Fertilizer: once a month in spring-summer with diluted liquid fertilizer for green plants.
• Pruning: pinch the tips to encourage branching and a bushier shape.

The Schefflera prefers a slightly dry substrate rather than a soggy one — avoid overwatering.

Decor ideas & plant pairings

With its shiny green umbrella-shaped foliage, the Schefflera Compacta brings a touch of tropical freshness and elegance to your urban jungle. It creates a graphic and airy focal point.

• To pair with: Monstera, Ficus, Philodendron, Calathea, or other tropical plants to create a lush urban jungle.
• Ideal pot: matte ceramic decorative pot (white, gray, terracotta) or woven basket to highlight the shiny foliage.
• Ambiance: perfect as a statement plant in a living room, office, bedroom, or entryway to create an elegant tropical effect.

The shiny umbrella-shaped leaves create an elegant play of light that brings lightness and depth.

Verdeia Tips

• Very easy to care for — perfect for beginners.
• Resistant and tolerant — forgives occasional missed waterings.
• Avoid overwatering — the main cause of problems is root rot.
• Regularly dust the leaves — improves photosynthesis and the foliage's shine.
• Pinch the tips — encourages branching and a bushier habit.
• Repot every 2-3 years in spring into a slightly larger decorative pot.
• Moderate growth — patience to see the plant grow.
• Toxic if ingested — keep out of reach of children and animals.
• Rotate the plant regularly — for even growth.
• Leaves may fall in case of stress (moving, overwatering) — be patient, new leaves will regrow.

Technical characteristics

• Botanical name: Schefflera arboricola 'Compacta'
• Common name: Schefflera Compacta, Compact umbrella tree, Umbrella tree
• Family: Araliaceae
• Origin: tropical forests of Asia and Oceania
• Dimensions at delivery: Ø19 × H80 cm
• Adult size: up to 1.5–2 meters indoors
• Exposure: bright indirect light, tolerates partial shade
• Watering: moderate, allow surface to dry between waterings
• Care: very easy (perfect for beginners)
• Toxicity for animals: toxic if ingested
• Decorative style: Tropical / Elegant / Urban jungle
• Particularity: shiny green umbrella-shaped foliage, compact and dense habit, very easy to care for, resilient and tolerant

Each plant is unique: the photos show an example of its appearance. The foliage density naturally varies according to the season.