Heptapleurum arboricola 'Luseana'

Origin and natural habitat

Wild Heptapleurum arboricola is native to Taiwan and Hainan. It grows in warm, moist forest below about 900 m, particularly near streams and beneath taller vegetation. It can also establish on trees in these humid forest conditions.

How to care for ‘Luseana’

Bright indirect light keeps ‘Luseana’ dense and balanced, although its plain green leaves can also cope with medium light. If the plant starts leaning or the stems stretch, move it closer to a bright window before adding more fertiliser.

Water once the potting mix has started to dry and the pot feels noticeably lighter. If you are unsure, check deeper in the pot; the mix should no longer be wet, but there is no need to wait until it is dry throughout. Repeated severe drying can cause leaf drop, while leaving the pot wet for days can damage the roots.

Choose a loose, well-draining houseplant mix. ‘Luseana’ likes some humidity, so keep it away from heaters and other sources of dry heat. Normal room air circulation is enough. Keep it warm and protect it from cold windows and draughts.

Feed while the plant is making steady new growth. Cut back on fertiliser when new leaves stop appearing. Move it into a fresh pot when the roots are crowded or the old mix no longer drains well. To keep the plant bushy, shorten only the occasional long stem rather than cutting the whole plant back.

Common problems with ‘Luseana’

• Leaves yellow or fall even though the stems are still firm: Check the moisture in the pot and think about any recent temperature change. Water thoroughly if the pot is genuinely dry and light; if it is wet and heavy, let it dry further. A cold draught can also trigger leaf drop.
• Leaf tips become brown and papery: Repeated drying out or hot air from a radiator are common causes. Keep the watering steadier and move the plant away from direct heating. The brown-leaf guide covers the other main checks.
• Fine pale speckles develop along the narrow leaves: Look underneath for spider mites and fine webbing. Set the plant apart from your other houseplants while you treat it, clean both sides of the leaves and choose a houseplant treatment labelled for spider mites if necessary. Repeat it at the interval specified on the label.
• The stems become long and the plant loses its close shape: Increase the light gradually and turn the pot occasionally so all sides receive light. New growth should come in tighter; once it does, prune back stretched stems if you want to restore the fuller shape.

Heptapleurum arboricola ‘Luseana’ 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.

Why do both Schefflera arboricola and Heptapleurum arboricola appear?

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.