Description
A popular ornamental tree in the Araliaceae from rainforest and gallery forest in tropical Australia, and southern New Guinea. It grows several sparsely branching trunks to about 15 m (50 ft.) tall with a dense crown of large, palmate, lobed leaves. The spectacular, dark red inflorescence is held above the leaves. It is well adapted to most warm temperate and tropical climates and considered a weedy species in some countries.
Germination Guide
🌍 Queensland, Northern Australia, New Guinea, Java
Difficult
Schefflera actinophylla, the Australian Umbrella Tree, is a tropical houseplant native to Queensland rainforests. Seeds require hot water soaking and strict attention to freshness and moisture levels for successful germination.
Germination
Germination time
Expect germination in
21 – 90 days
Temperature
Min 20°C
Ideal 24°C
Max 27°C
Substrate moisture
💧💧 High
Sowing depth
Lightly covered
Seed Pre-treatment
-
💧
Soaking — 24 hours
Hot water soak at 140°F (60°C) for 12-24 hours; use four times as much water as seed volume
-
🔨
Hot water scarification
Soak seeds in hot water (140°F/60°C) for 12-24 hours before planting
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📋
Additional notes
Fresh seeds germinate better; seeds lose viability quickly after drying (48-72 hours)
Substrate & Container
Recommended substrate
Seed raising mix, well-draining potting soil, sterile low-nutrient media
Recommended container
Small pots, greenhouse or covered with plastic wrap to maintain moisture
Growing Tips
Seeds must be fresh and planted immediately; they lose viability within 48-72 hours of drying. Germination is slow and asynchronous: first radicle emergence may take 21-35 days; cotyledon emergence 45-90 days. Keep substrate moist but not waterlogged during entire germination period. Use greenhouse or plastic covering to maintain humidity. Indirect light is important.
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