Zone 9-10

Those of you who know the name Schefflera are probably thinking of the plain green tree in landscapes or as houseplants everywhere

The tree Schefflera actinophylla is on Florida's invasive plant list and is recommended to not plant, and removal is preferred if you own one.  A major reason is the roots are aggressive, get to be invasive and destructive

Totally the opposite is the lovely, delicate and versatile Arborcola, here pictured is our favorite variety, the "Trinette" in plenty of sun.  The top photo is the same plant in shade

Arborcola 'Trinette'  is a wonderful "no care" plant except for occasional food.  Use Arborcola as an accent plant in sun or shade and it can also perform a hedge function, but low, yet thick

Most often we landscape designers use floods of Arborcola knowing the height is easy to maintain, usually useful kept at 3-4 feet high.  Arborcola fits in almost anywhere and looks great with other plants or flowers mixed in the same bed

As a houseplant, you can't beat the ease of Arborcola.  Just as easy as the tree Schefflera, but dainty, colorful, and versatile indoors

You folks who "kill everything" should get Arborcola.  Your exact color will vary as will leaf size, all based on the amount of bright light hours (or sun).  The more light, the brighter the contrasts and the smaller the leaves, but you'll have plenty of leaves regardless

There are other named (some patented) Arborcola varieties including:

• Arborcola - Braided

• Arborcola 'Dazzle' #1  #2

• Arborcola - 'Gold Capella' indoors

• Arborcola - 'Gold Finger'

• Arborcola - 'Luseane'  pp9955

• Arborcola - 'Trinette'

• Arborcola - 'Variegata'

• Arborcola - 'Worthy'

You may be interested in receiving great tropical plants mail order from Master Gardener. We ship from spring thru fall depending on the weather up north. If you want to be on our e-mailing list to be notified of plants, please click here for details of our special plants. Thank you