Heptapleurum arboricola 'Charlotte'

Origin and natural habitat

Heptapleurum arboricola is native to Taiwan and Hainan. In the wild it grows in warm, humid forest, often near streams and below the main tree canopy. It can also grow on trees, where its roots receive regular moisture along with plenty of air.

How to care for ‘Charlotte’

Keep ‘Charlotte’ in bright indirect light. The cream parts of the leaves need good light, but they can scorch if the plant is suddenly moved into strong direct sun. Increase sun exposure gradually if you want to place it closer to a sunny window.

Let the potting mix dry somewhat between waterings rather than waiting until most of the pot is dry. Check deeper in the pot as well as at the surface; when the pot feels clearly lighter and the mix around the roots is no longer wet, it is ready for water. In winter or a darker room, this can take much longer.

A loose houseplant mix that drains well but does not dry instantly works well. ‘Charlotte’ likes some humidity, so avoid very dry heated spots. There is no need to keep the leaves wet. Warm, steady conditions are best.

A light feed while the plant is actively growing is enough. There is no need to repot on a timetable; wait until the roots are crowded or water no longer moves through the mix properly. If one branch starts producing only green leaves and keeps doing so, cut it back to the last clearly variegated growth.

Common problems with ‘Charlotte’

• New leaves are becoming much greener: Move the plant gradually into brighter indirect light and watch the next few leaves. If one branch continues to produce only green growth, cut that branch back to a variegated section before it starts to dominate the plant.
• Leaves drop after a change of position: Check whether the plant has been moved into colder air, lower light or a very different watering routine. Give it one warm, bright, stable position rather than changing several things at once.
• White cottony clusters appear where the leaves meet the stems: These are a typical sign of mealybugs. Set the plant apart from your other houseplants, wipe away visible insects and, if needed, choose a treatment labelled for mealybugs on houseplants. Follow the label for any repeat applications. The mealybug guide explains the full process.
• Tiny pale speckles spread across the leaves: Look closely at the undersides for spider mites, especially in warm, dry conditions. Fine webbing is another warning sign. Move the plant away from nearby houseplants while you treat it, clean both sides of the leaves and use a houseplant treatment labelled for spider mites if needed. Repeat treatment only as directed on the label.

Heptapleurum (Schefflera) arboricola ‘Charlotte’ is toxic to people and pets

• Keep this plant away from children, cats and dogs.
• Its leaves and stems contain insoluble calcium oxalate crystals, which can irritate the mouth, throat, skin and eyes.
• Chewing may cause burning pain, drooling, swelling, vomiting or difficulty swallowing. Contact a veterinarian or medical professional after exposure, especially if swelling or breathing problems occur.

About the names Schefflera arboricola and Heptapleurum arboricola

Heptapleurum combines Greek hepta, meaning seven, with pleuron, meaning rib or side. The epithet arboricola means tree-dweller.

Joseph Gaertner established the genus Heptapleurum in 1791 in De Fructibus et Seminibus Plantarum, volume 2, page 472.

Bunzō Hayata first described Heptapleurum arboricola in 1916 in Icones Plantarum Formosanarum, volume 6, page 23.

Schefflera arboricola is the familiar former name. Porter P. Lowry II and Gregory M. Plunkett reinstated Heptapleurum for the Asian group formerly included in Schefflera in 2020 in Novon, volume 28. Kew’s World Checklist accepts Heptapleurum arboricola.