Schefflera ‘Amate’ (Big Leaf Schefflera) is a native of Australia and New Guinea. This showy plant is currently known under the scientific name Heptapleurum actinophyllum, but in the past, it has been known as Shefflera actinophylla (Heptapleurum actinophyllum, 2021). Propagated asexually rather than from seed, ‘Amate’ plants have been named after a nurseryman from California, Archie Amate (Schefflera ‘Amate’ — The Better Big Umbrella Tree, n.d.). Indoors, they will grow 8′ – 10′ tall, but they can also be kept shorter and bushier by pinching the growing tips.
Schefflera ‘Amata’ does require a consistent light source. Bright indirect light, however, is superior to direct sunlight. These plants do not “stretch” as easily as normal schefflera plants (Schefflera ‘Amate’ — The Better Big Umbrella Tree, n.d.), and securing the needed light will not be difficult if windows are available in your home.
Like any plant, Schefflera ‘Amata’ requires some moisture and nutrition. It is very easy to over-water these plants, however. If the top half of your Schefflera’s soil is still moist, hold off on the watering (Schefflera Amate Care, 2020). You won’t want the roots to drown and rot! Fertilization should be applied monthly as needed throughout the growing season. A balanced houseplant fertilizer should do the trick. Keep in mind that most houseplants should not be fertilized in the winter when their growth slows.
Do you have an empty corner in your home or office near a window? Does it receive moderate to bright indirect light? Could an uprightly, tropical-looking plant with glossy-green leaves fit in with the surrounding decor? You should give Schefflera ‘Amata’ (Bigleaf schefflera) a try!
Sources
Foster, N. (n.d.). How to Care for the Glorious Schefflera Amate. Retrieved 8/3/21 from https://www.joyusgarden.com/schefflera-amate/
Schefflera Amate Care (2020). Retrieved 8/3/21 from https://greeneryunlimited.co/blogs/plant-care/schefflera-amate-care
Schefflera ‘Amate’ — The Better Big Umbrella Tree (n.d.). Retrieved 8/3/21 from http://www.plant-care.com/schefflera-amate.html
Heptapleurum actinophyllum (2021). Retrieved 8/3/21 from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Heptapleurum_actinophyllum