Louise LeGresley//Getty ImagesThere are so many ways to add some life and color to your home, but if caring for plants feels daunting, you may want to opt for a beginner-friendly option, like a schefflera plant, sometimes known as an umbrella plant. Not too dissimilar to philodendrons or ZZ plants, this potted indoor option has beautiful green leaves and are incredibly easy to take care of. As a tropical variety, schefflera does require some maintenanceespecially if you live in a cooler climate. But if you're on the hunt for some greenery that doesn't need a PhD to care for, here is everything you need to know.How much sunlight do schefflera plants need?While umbrella plants don't do well with direct sunlight as it can scorch their leaves, they do require a decent about of sunabout four to six hours of indirect light a day. You'll know if your Schefflera is not getting enough light because the leaves will starts to appear droopy, as opposed to their normal springy appearance. Signs of sunburn can include yellowing or brown leaves. If your home is on the darker side, your umbrella plant can still survivebut it will grow significantly slower than when it's getting proper care. The general consensus is that schefflera plants need to be in an apartment or environment that does not get colder than 60 degrees.How often should Schefflera plants be watered?Because schefflera plants come from tropical climates in naturesuch as Taiwan and New Guineathey do best in warm, humid environments. When you notice the soil is dry, you can soak your umbrella plant to make sure it's absorbing enough water by simply putting your pot in a larger bowl of water and leaving it for a few minutes. Make sure you plant your schefflera in loose, well-draining soil so that it can get rid of the excess. Because these plants love humidity, spraying the leaves with water is a great way to keep it hydrated. You can also bring your plant into a humid environment, such as your bathroom, to allow it to soak up water from the air. Can you propagate schefflera plants?You can absolutely propagate your Schefflera plant. Experts suggest doing this with the stem cutting method. Simply cut off a few inches of your plant, ensuring it has some new growth or buds present on your cutting. The leave it in a glass of water, occasionally swapping in clean water, until roots grow. After they appear, re-plant your baby Schefflera in some nutrient-rich soil and leave in a bright place with indirect sunlight. Cavan Images//Getty ImagesYou can easily propagate your Umbrella plant with cuttings.Should you prune Schefflera plants?Pruning your Umbrella plant can help it become more bushy and encourage new growth. This is best done in the spring and summer when your plant is in its growth cycle. You can trim dead or yellow leaves, or just remove any straggling areas to help keep its shape.How long do Schefflera plants live?With proper, consistent light, water, and heat, your Umbrella plant can live for more than fifteen years. Schefflera plants need time to adjust to new environments, so if you're moving with your plant, do your best to keep it in similar conditions. Are Schefflera plants pet-safe?Schefflera plants are considered toxic to cats and dogs, so keep it out of reach if you have pets. Tatjana FreundFashion & Luxury Commerce EditorTatjana Freund is Hearst's Fashion & Luxury Commerce Editor, covering beauty, fashion and more across multiple brands. Previously, she worked at ELLE.com and Marie Claire. She's a fan of whiskey neat, podcasts that give her nightmares, and one time Zo Kravitz laughed at a joke she made.