How to Grow Umbrella Tree - Plant Care & Tips

By NorwichGardener Team   /   2024

Umbrella tree is an ornamental plant that can be found in many nurseries. It is a fast growing tree that can reach up to 20 feet tall. The leaves are large and have a distinctive shape that resembles an umbrella. The flowers are small and white and appear in the spring. The fruit is a blackberry-like drupe that is edible but not very tasty.

How to Grow Umbrella Tree - Plant Care & Tips

Popular name

  • Ficus /?fi?k?s/
  • Banyan /?bænj?n/
  • Strangler fig /?stræ??l?r ?fi?/
  • Bo tree /?bo? ?tri?/
  • Sacred fig /?se?kr?d ?fi?/

Things to Know

  • The umbrella tree (Magnolia umbrella) is a species of magnolia native to southern China.
  • The tree grows to 20–30 m (66–98 ft) tall, with a broad, umbrella-shaped canopy.
  • The leaves are large, up to 30 cm (12 in) long and 15 cm (6 in) wide, with a leathery texture and glossy green surface.
  • The flowers are white, up to 15 cm (6 in) in diameter, with numerous petals.
  • The fruit is a cone-like structure, up to 20 cm (8 in) long and 10 cm (4 in) wide, containing numerous seeds.
  • The tree is widely cultivated as an ornamental plant in China and other countries.
  • It is also commonly known as the 'paper tree' due to the use of its fibrous bark in papermaking.
  • The umbrella tree is also the national tree of Laos.
  • The tree is believed to have medicinal properties and is used in traditional Chinese medicine.
  • It is also the host plant for the Chinese moth (Antheraea pernyi).

Growing Steps

  1. For umbrella tree, first step is need to find the plant.
  2. Second step is to purchase the plant.
  3. Once you have the plant, place it in a pot or container.
  4. Fill the pot or container with soil.
  5. Water the plant.
  6. Place the plant in a sunny spot.
  7. fertilize the plant regularly.
  8. Prune the plant as needed.
  9. Watch for pests and diseases.
  10. Enjoy your umbrella tree!

Soil Condition

About soil condition, the best type of soil for an umbrella tree is well-drained, sandy loam. However, it is tolerant of a range of soil types including clay. The tree does not do well in waterlogged or wet soils. If the soil is too dry, the tree may not produce as many leaves.

Light condition

Just like other trees, umbrella trees need sun to grow. They should be planted in an area that gets full sun for at least six hours a day. partial sun is also fine, but they won’t grow as well. If you live in a hotter climate, they may need a little afternoon shade to prevent the leaves from scorching.

The Temperature

The temperature condition of the umbrella tree is optimal for growth. The tree grows best in temperatures between 68 and 86 degrees Fahrenheit. It can tolerate some cold, but not prolonged freezing temperatures. If the tree is grown in too hot of an environment, the leaves will begin to wilt and the tree will eventually die.

Humidity Aspect

Ideal humidity condition for this plant is 40-50%. If the humidity is too high or too low, it will have an impact on the plant's ability to thrive. If the humidity is too high, the leaves of the plant will start to yellow and drop off. If the humidity is too low, the leaves will become dry and brittle.

The Fertilizer

For the fertilizer, this family of plant is known to accept a wide variety of options. This includes both organic and inorganic methods. However, for the inorganic methods, it is best to use a balanced fertilizer that is low in nitrogen. The ideal time to fertilize your umbrella tree is during the early spring and then again during the late fall. As for the roots of the umbrella tree, they are known to be relatively shallow. This is why it is important to make sure that the roots have access to moisture. However, you should be careful not to overwater the roots as this can lead to root rot.

Light requirement

Pruning an umbrella tree is a simple process that can be done with just a few tools. You will need a saw, pruning shears, and a ladder. First, you will need to identify the branches that need to be pruned. These are typically the, "dead, dying, or diseased" branches. Once you have identified the branches that need to be pruned, you will need to cut them off with the saw. Next, you will need to use the pruning shears to trim any remaining leaves or branches that are clinging to the tree. Finally, you will need to use the ladder to reach the higher branches and trim them as well.

About Propagating

Propagation is by seed or cuttings. Seedlings grow rapidly and should be transplanted to their permanent location when they are around 20 cm tall. Cuttings can be taken from semi-ripe wood in late summer and willroot readily if placed in a well-drained rooting medium.

Growth Speed

Usually, the plant growth rate is determined by the available growing space. Once an umbrella tree reaches the size of its pot or the ground space allocated for it, the growth rate will usually slow down. The type of soil also matters for growth rate. Soil with high levels of organic matter drains well and keeps roots aerated, leading to faster growth.

Basic Problems

Common problems for this kind of plant are that the plant can become root bound and if not given enough light, the plant will become leggy. If the plant does not have enough water, the leaves will begin to drop off.

Growing Tips

  • Do not forget to water the umbrella tree regularly. The plant cannot withstand long periods of drought.
  • Fertilize the umbrella tree every month during the growing season.
  • Prune the umbrella tree to maintain its shape and size.
  • Place the umbrella tree in an area with bright indirect sunlight.
  • The umbrella tree does not tolerate cold temperatures. Protect the plant from frosts.
  • The plant is susceptible to pests and diseases. Inspect the tree regularly and treat problems as soon as they are noticed.
  • The umbrella tree grows best in well-drained soil.
  • The tree needs regular watering, but do not overwater as this can kill the plant.
  • Feed the umbrella tree with a balanced fertilizer every month during the growing season.
  • Prune the tree regularly to maintain its shape and size.

Similar Plants

  • umbrella flower: genus Scaevola
  • umbrella bush: Carissa spinarum
  • umbrella plant: Schefflera actinophylla
  • umbrella sedge: genus Cyperus
  • umbrella tree: or umbrella grasses: genus Cyperus
  • umbrella-wort: genus Trichocentrum
  • umbrella oak: Quercus alba
  • umbrella could: mushroom Clitocybe gibba
  • umbrella fern: genus Cyathea
  • umbrella grass: genus Setaria

Source:
ENH-745/ST587: Sciadopitys verticillata: Japanese Umbrella-Pine
Umbrella Cheese Tree - Toohey Forest Environmental Education …
Micro-Hotspots for Conservation: An Umbrella Tree Species for …

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