Heptapleurum (Schefflera) arboricola 'Nora'

Cultivar history and plant origin

‘Nora’ was already present in European horticulture by 1987 and remains a compact, solid-green umbrella plant selection.

Its species, Heptapleurum arboricola, belongs to the wet forest flora of Hainan and Taiwan, where woody stems may climb and take root against trees. The older name Schefflera arboricola is still widely recognised.

Growing a container tree or shrub

Light: Because the plant has solid green leaves, it tolerates somewhat lower light than variegated umbrella plants, although bright filtered light still produces the densest growth. Acclimatise it before direct sun, protect it from cold draughts and turn the pot gradually if one side leans towards the light.

Propagation: Shorten elongated stems just above a node to build a bushier framework and remove weak or crowded growth cleanly. Stem cuttings are the simplest propagation method, while air layering can be used for a larger woody branch.

Roots and substrate: After the upper part of a loose, free-draining mix has dried, water thoroughly and allow the pot to drain. Heptapleurum ‘Nora’ tolerates a modest drying interval, but repeated severe drought causes lower-leaf loss.

What to do when growth suffers

Long petioles, widely spaced leaves and a sparse crown show that ‘Nora’ needs more light. Move it towards a brighter filtered position gradually. Existing stretched stems will remain long, but sturdier new growth confirms that the change is working.

General yellowing can follow chronic saturation, cold, crowded roots or depleted nutrition. Lower-leaf drop can also follow drought or abrupt relocation. Check the root ball first: wet soft roots require drainage and a longer interval, while a light dry pot needs a thorough watering.

Because ‘Nora’ has no variegation, pale stippling and silver scarring should not be accepted as cultivar pattern. Stippling or webbing points to mites; silver scars with dark specks indicate thrips. Scale and mealybugs add fixed bumps, wax or sticky honeydew.

Remove visible pests, clean the leaflets and repeat a targeted treatment. Correct the underlying light or root stress as well, since a weakened crown is slower to replace damaged leaves.

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.