Heptapleurum arboricola 'Compactum'

Origin and natural habitat

The wild species Heptapleurum arboricola is native to Hainan and Taiwan. It grows in warm, humid forest below about 900 m, especially near streams and beneath taller trees. Some plants also grow on trees, where the roots receive both moisture and plenty of air.

How to care for ‘Compactum’

Bright indirect light helps ‘Compactum’ keep its dense shape. It can cope with some medium light, but if the stems start getting longer and the plant looks more open, move it somewhere brighter before cutting it back.

The dense foliage can hide a pot that is still wet underneath, so check the mix deeper down before watering. Once the upper mix has dried, the pot feels lighter and the soil deeper down is no longer wet, it is ready for water. Do not give frequent small amounts of water just because the plant itself is compact.

Use an airy potting mix that drains well. The plant appreciates some humidity, but it also benefits from normal air movement around the leaves, so avoid both very dry heating airflow and cramped, stuffy corners. A warm room is best; avoid chilly windowsills and sudden cold air.

A regular houseplant feed while new growth is appearing is enough; follow the label. Use less fertiliser when the plant is not growing much. Only repot once the roots are genuinely crowded or the potting mix has stopped draining well. Trim only the occasional shoot that grows out of shape.

Common problems with ‘Compactum’

• The plant loses its dense shape and the stems become longer: Light is usually too low. Move it gradually into brighter indirect light and wait for tighter new growth before shortening the stretched stems.
• Leaves turn yellow even though the surface looks dry: Check deeper in the pot before watering. The dense top can hide wet mix lower down. If the pot is still heavy, wait; if it is dry and light throughout, water thoroughly. The watering guide explains how to judge the whole pot.
• Fine pale speckles appear among the inner leaves: Look underneath for spider mites and fine webbing. Move it away from nearby plants while you treat it, clean the foliage and use a houseplant treatment labelled for spider mites if you find them. Repeat according to the timing on the product label.
• Tiny flies keep rising from the potting mix: Fungus gnats usually mean the mix is staying damp for too long. Let it dry more between waterings and make sure no water is left standing inside a decorative outer pot or saucer.

Heptapleurum arboricola ‘Compactum’ 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.

How did the name change from Schefflera arboricola to 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.