Heptapleurum arboricola 'Nora'

Origin and natural habitat

Heptapleurum arboricola is native to Taiwan and Hainan. It grows in warm, moist forest below about 900 m, including stream edges and shaded woodland. It can also grow on trees, where its roots receive frequent moisture but plenty of air as well.

How to care for ‘Nora’

‘Nora’ grows well in bright indirect light and can also manage a medium-light position. If the stems begin leaning towards the window or the gaps between the leaves become longer, move it somewhere brighter before reaching for the pruning shears.

Let the potting mix dry somewhat between waterings. Lift the pot and check deeper down; when it feels clearly lighter and the soil around the roots is no longer wet, it is ready for water. Avoid leaving the pot constantly wet, but do not wait for the plant to wilt badly before watering again.

Use a well-draining houseplant mix that holds some moisture. ‘Nora’ likes some humidity in the air, especially during the heating season. Keep it away from radiators or heating vents, and do not leave it beside a cold window.

Feed while new leaves are appearing, then use less fertiliser during quieter periods. It is ready for repotting when the roots are crowded or the potting mix has stopped draining properly. If you want a fuller plant, shorten a tall healthy stem just above a leaf joint; otherwise, simply remove old or damaged leaves as needed.

Common problems with ‘Nora’

• Several leaves turn yellow or fall: Check the potting mix first. If the pot is wet and heavy, give it more time to dry; if it is dry and light, water thoroughly. A sudden cold spell or a recent move can also cause leaf drop. The yellow-leaves guide covers other common causes.
• Tiny pale dots spread across the leaves: Look closely underneath for spider mites and fine webbing, especially in a warm, dry room. Separate the plant from nearby houseplants while you treat it, clean both sides of the leaves and use a houseplant product labelled for spider mites if necessary. Follow the label when repeating treatment.
• Small brown bumps or sticky patches appear on the stems: Check for scale, especially along woody stems and leaf stalks. Remove visible insects where practical and use a treatment labelled for scale on houseplants if the problem continues. Repeat only at the interval stated on the label. The scale guide can help you identify them.
• The plant becomes sparse and leans towards the window: Give it more bright indirect light and turn the pot from time to time. Once new growth is coming in more densely, you can shorten the stretched stems if you want to reshape the plant.

Heptapleurum (Schefflera) arboricola ‘Nora’ 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.

Schefflera arboricola and Heptapleurum arboricola: why did the name change?

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.