Heptapleurum arboricola 'Luseana'

‘Luseana’ and its Hainan–Taiwan origin

The green form ‘Luseana’ belongs to Heptapleurum arboricola. Its species range covers Hainan and Taiwan, with wild plants found in wet tropical vegetation. They can develop into shrubs or small trees and also climb through surrounding growth.

Horticulture still commonly uses the older name Schefflera arboricola.

Steady green growth for ‘Luseana’

Pruning just above a node controls height and encourages branching; rotating the pot helps keep the crown balanced. Provide Heptapleurum arboricola ‘Luseana’ with medium to bright filtered light. Green foliage tolerates somewhat lower light than variegated cultivars, but deep shade leads to looser branching.

Use the pot’s weight as a guide. Water thoroughly once it feels noticeably lighter, without allowing the mix to dry completely. Keep the roots aerated and protect them from cold drafts or cool, wet substrate.

After delivery, allow the plant to settle before combining major pruning with repotting. Move into a modestly larger container when the root mass fills the pot or drainage deteriorates.

Feed while visible growth is continuing and reduce the amount when light and water use decline. Stem cuttings and air layering reproduce the selection.

Leaf drop and stretched growth in ‘Luseana’

Crisp dry leaflets above a light, dry pot need a complete soak. Yellowing above wet compacted mix requires drainage and root inspection. Keep recovering roots warm and stable.

Fine stippling indicates mites. Sticky honeydew, sooty mould, raised bumps or cottony deposits indicate scale or mealybugs. Move the plant away from others and treat the identified pest.

An open stretched crown usually needs brighter filtered light and pruning after the roots have recovered. Shorten healthy stems above nodes to rebuild denser branching.

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.