Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai
Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai Inspiration
General Information
Hawaiian Umbrella bonsai—Schefflera arboricola—is also known as the Hawaiian umbrella tree. Despite its name, this tree is not native to Hawaii but originates from Taiwan.
Hawaiian Umbrella bonsai has distinctive, “helicopter”-like leaves arranged in a whorl pattern, giving it a unique and attractive appearance.
This tropical bonsai is notable for its aerial roots, which, in humid conditions, can create a strong base as they descend from the canopy. These adventitious roots are often seen in banyan-style bonsai designs, similar to Ficus, another tropical bonsai species.
There are two primary varieties of Hawaiian Umbrella bonsai that work well for bonsai cultivation:
The primary difference between these varieties is the leaf size; Louisiana has smaller leaves, making it especially suited for bonsai. Both varieties thrive under similar care conditions.
Caring for Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai
Watering
Hawaiian Umbrella bonsai trees thrive in well-draining soil and high humidity, but they are susceptible to root rot if over-watered.
To promote aerial root growth and maintain the tree’s health, increase humidity around the canopy—adding moisture to the air rather than oversaturating the soil. This method keeps the environment around the tree humid without risking waterlogging.
These trees prefer consistently moist soil, but they will rot if the soil becomes waterlogged. Regular, even watering is essential, but adjust based on humidity—your tree may not need daily watering, even during peak heat. Simply water as needed to keep the soil evenly moist without overdoing it.
Sun Exposure
Hawaiian Umbrella bonsai thrive with full morning sunlight but benefit from reduced afternoon sun exposure.
During hot weather, they may close their leaves to shield themselves from intense sunlight. Excessive late-summer or fall sun exposure can cause leaf yellowing and brightness.
Using a shade cover of 30-50% can help prevent sun damage. More shade often increases humidity, which encourages aerial root growth and larger leaves.
When adjusting shade levels, consider the stage of leaf development and your design goals for the tree.
Temperature
Hawaiian Umbrella bonsai are tropical and should be protected from temperatures below 40°F.
For optimal growth, these trees need nighttime temperatures consistently above 60°F. Warm nighttime air supports their active growth, making daytime temperatures suitable for their overall development.
Fertilizing
Fertilizing is important to keep your Hawaiian Umbrella bonsai healthy and thriving. Apply a balanced, slow-release fertilizer during the growing season to encourage steady growth and strong, healthy leaves.
Avoid over-fertilizing, as it can lead to rapid, leggy growth that weakens the tree.
Some gardeners apply a general-purpose fertilizer monthly, except during winter. Alternatively, a water-soluble fertilizer can be sprayed on the tree every other month.
Pruning
Pruning is essential for shaping your Hawaiian Umbrella bonsai and encouraging new growth. Cut back branches to a node to stimulate back-budding and promote fresh shoots.
Defoliation, done after winter dormancy, helps stimulate new growth as well. When defoliating, leave a petiole stub to minimize the risk of infection.
The style of your tree will guide your pruning approach. If you're aiming for a compact banyan style tree with many aerial roots, your pruning should focus on developing these features. For a broader, forest-like canopy, your cuts will encourage a more expansive growth pattern.
Wiring
Wiring Hawaiian umbrella bonsai may be necessary, but it depends on your overall design goals for your bonsai.
Hawaiian umbrella bonsai can snap, or they can be very flexible, depending on where the branch segments or route segments break off. Typically, it's best practice to wire primary branches and then leaves with clip and grow techniques.
Repotting
Hawaiian umbrella bonsai can tolerate a lot of root pruning. But be careful not to remove too many of the roots, as this will cause the tree to become unstable due to a shallow root base.
Without a stable root base, repotting may not be beneficial for the tree.
Aerial roots need to be bent or curved to attach them to a pot or plant, which also helps promote finer root growth.
Hawaiian umbrella bonsai can be tricky to re-pot because they may need to be tied down or have wires woven through their trunks to keep them stable.
Some Hawaiian umbrella bonsai require you to place a base down, so the plant will hold its shape.
Propagation
Hawaiian umbrella bonsai trees are the perfect choice for bonsai enthusiasts, as they are easy to propagate from root cuttings.
A stem cutting from a healthy Hawaiian umbrella bonsai can grow out into a new plant.
By cutting off any part of Hawaiian umbrella bonsai (except for the leaf) and placing it in a humid environment (such as perlite), it will produce roots and start growing incredibly well.
There's no need to air layer Hawaiian umbrella bonsai, but it may be done if the cut is golf ball size.
Pests/Disease
Hawaiian umbrella bonsai rarely has pests and disease issues.
It may sometimes be difficult to control aphids if the tree is a new growth and has not developed calluses.
Hawaiian Umbrella Bonsai FAQS
Yes, you can keep your Hawaiian umbrella bonsai inside. Just make sure to:
● Keep the area around the tree moist; and
● Avoid direct sunlight
As an indoor plant, your Hawaiian bonsai tree will thrive in a well-lit environment with adequate water.
However, keep in mind that direct sunlight can scorch the leaves.
If you live in a sunny location, shielded from intense sunlight, you can leave your Hawaiian umbrella bonsai outside in the mornings and bring it back inside for the afternoon.
With its aerial branches, there is no one definitive way to style a Hawaiian umbrella bonsai. You may wish to try various techniques or use different materials to achieve the look you desire.
For example, you might try using wire to hold the branches in place or using floral foam to add a bit of height and volume.
Whatever technique you choose, make sure that it is secure so that the branches do not become damaged.
The Hawaiian bonsai tree is a beautiful specimen that should be kept in a cool, moist environment. If the environment is too dry or too hot, the tree's roots will grow slowly, and it may die.
Over watering can also cause:
● Rotting roots
● Wilting leaves; and
● Loss of branches
Therefore, it is important to water Hawaiian umbrella bonsai only when the soil feels dry to the touch.
