Heptapleurum arboricola 'Trinette'

Origin and natural habitat

Heptapleurum arboricola is native to Taiwan and Hainan. The species grows in warm, humid forest, often beside streams below about 900 m and beneath taller trees that filter the light. Some plants also grow on trees rather than directly in the ground.

How to care for ‘Trinette’

Keep ‘Trinette’ in bright indirect light so it stays compact and the variegation remains clear. It can cope with some shade, but long periods in low light usually lead to greener growth. Introduce any direct sun gradually so the pale parts of the leaves do not scorch.

Check the potting mix deeper down rather than relying on a dry surface. Water once it has dried somewhat and the pot feels clearly lighter; if the mix deeper down is still wet, wait a little longer. In a darker winter position it may take much longer to dry, so avoid small top-up waterings out of habit.

Use an airy, freely draining potting mix. The plant appreciates humid air, especially during the heating season, but the soil should still be allowed to dry somewhat between waterings. Choose a warm spot where it will not be hit by cold air.

Feed while the plant is growing, then use less fertiliser during slower periods. Repot once the roots are crowded or the potting mix no longer drains properly. Light tip-pruning is enough to keep a rounded shape; there is no need to remove healthy pale growth simply because it contains less green.

Common problems with ‘Trinette’

• New growth is steadily becoming greener: Move the plant gradually into brighter indirect light and watch the next few leaves. If one branch stays completely green and starts growing much faster than the rest, cut it back to the last variegated section.
• Leaves become limp and start falling: Check the potting mix before watering. A dry, light pot needs a thorough watering; if it is wet and heavy, wait before watering again and make sure excess water can drain freely. The watering guide explains how to judge moisture through the whole pot.
• Sticky patches, brown bumps or white cottony marks appear: Check the stems and leaf stalks for scale or mealybugs. Keep the plant separate from the rest of your collection, remove visible pests and use a treatment labelled for the pest you find. Follow its label for repeat timing. The scale guide can help you tell scale apart.
• One side of the plant becomes sparse: Uneven light is often the cause. Turn the pot from time to time and move it closer to a bright window if the whole plant is opening up. Wait for denser new growth before pruning.

Heptapleurum arboricola ‘Trinette’ 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.