Schefflera actinophylla ‘Amate’

Why the Schefflera actinophylla 'Amate' makes a great office plant

There is something irresistibly theatrical about the Schefflera actinophylla ‘Amate’. Its tall, slender posture and glossy, umbrella-like leaves give it the kind of quiet star power that brightens an office without ever stealing the show. The clusters of 7 to 16 leaflets form elegant whorls of green, each one catching the light in its own way. In the context of office greenery, the ‘Amate’ is a plant that knows how to hold the room gently and confidently.

The Schefflera actinophylla 'Amate' is the one in the background.

With a height of around 150 centimeters and a width of 60 centimeters, it slips effortlessly into corners and alongside desks. It adds vertical interest without demanding expansive floor space, making it a clever choice for contemporary workspaces. The leaf color – a rich, balanced shade of green – reads beautifully against minimalist interiors or warm natural materials.

What makes it especially well-suited for offices is its calm adaptability. The Schefflera actinophylla ‘Amate’ performs reliably under typical indoor conditions, even where light isn’t at its brightest. In nature, the plant thrives in the dappled shade of Australian rainforests, and that legacy translates into impressive resilience in corporate environments. It grows with a steady, unhurried rhythm, without pollen or fragrance, ensuring a comfortable atmosphere for employees with sensitivities.

Its structure is also ideal for subtle space division. A group of Scheffleras can lightly frame a meeting nook or soften the walk toward a break area. As a standalone piece, it offers a sculptural presence that feels both natural and curated. For workplaces embracing biophilic design, the ‘Amate’ becomes an understated but effective bridge between human activity and the calming influence of greenery.

Under what conditions does the Schefflera actinophylla 'Amate' thrive?

The Schefflera actinophylla ‘Amate’ traces its origins to the subtropical and tropical forests of Australia, where humidity rises from riverbanks and light filters through multiple canopy layers. Indoors, it responds well to environments that mimic this rhythm. While it appreciates brightness, it is equally content in semi-shaded spaces and shows a remarkable tolerance for typical office temperatures. Between 18 and 22 degrees Celsius, it maintains its composure beautifully.

Maintenance

Watering

The plant should be watered regularly, with the substrate kept evenly moist. It should be ensured that no water remains in the pot, as water accumulation may lead to root stress or rot.

Fertilizing

During its active growth phases, the plant should be provided with balanced nutrients at controlled intervals. Fertilizing should support steady development without encouraging excessive elongation.

Cutting

Occasional shaping may be required. Cutting should be done selectively to maintain a harmonious form and to support the plant’s natural upright growth habit.

Other Care

It should be ensured that the indoor environment maintains a healthy level of humidity. A stable temperature range contributes strongly to its resilience. The plant may also benefit from periodic inspections for dust on leaves, as clean leaf surfaces support its physiological processes.

At Oxygen at Work, all these steps are included in the all-inclusive maintenance package. Each plant is professionally monitored, watered, fertilized, and shaped. Clients simply enjoy the result: a thriving, atmospheric Schefflera actinophylla ‘Amate’ with no care responsibilities required.

How much water is evaporated by the Schefflera actinophylla 'Amate'?

Georges - Data Project Manager

“Using research, real life tests, and office air quality data, we approximate the effect of different plant species. Of course, the actual effect can vary depending on things like room conditions and the plant’s overall health.”

The Schefflera actinophylla ‘Amate’ is not only aesthetically compelling. It contributes meaningfully to indoor air quality through natural water evaporation. Measured at a height of 150 centimeters with a leaf surface of 0.878 square meters, the plant evaporates around 1.5 liters of water per month. This evaporation subtly increases humidity in dry office environments, particularly during winter heating periods.

To make these numbers more tangible, consider the Howea forsteriana: at 1.90 meters in height and 0.7 meters in width, it typically evaporates around 2.1 liters monthly. While the Howea provides a slightly higher evaporation rate, the Schefflera offers an appealing balance of size, shape, and moisture output that integrates well into mid-sized office zones.

Stats

• Height: 150 cm

• Width: 60 cm

• Leaf surface: 0.8 m²

• Monthly water evaporation: 1.5 l

These measurements form part of Oxygen at Work’s broader scientific evaluation of plant species. By combining botanical expertise with real monitoring data from active office environments, the company ensures each plant concept is built not only on aesthetics but on measurable performance.

FAQs about the Schefflera actinophylla 'Amate'

Is the Schefflera actniophylla 'Amate' suitable for low light offices?

The plant adapts well to semi-shaded conditions and maintains its elegant foliage even when light levels fluctuate. Its rainforest origins make it well suited for workspaces without strong direct light.

Does the Schefflera actinophylla 'Amate' improve indoor air quality?

The plant supports indoor humidity through steady water evaporation. With around 1.5 liters evaporated per month, it contributes to a more balanced indoor climate, particularly in dry seasons.

How fast does the Schefflera actinophylla 'Amate' grow indoors?

Its growth is moderate and predictable, making it ideal for structured interior landscapes. While it can grow dramatically in nature, indoor conditions keep it compact and manageable.

Is the Schefflera actinophylla 'Amate' safe for office environments?

Yes, the plant is commonly used in professional interiors thanks to its pollen-free nature and quiet, controlled growth. It fits well into both open-plan and focused work zones.

Can the Schefflera actinophylla 'Amate' be used to create natural room dividers?

With its upright growth and generous foliage, the plant supports gentle spatial separation. Designers often use it to introduce soft boundaries in flexible office layouts.