Identifying a Braided Funeral Plant: Ficus or Schefflera?

What Is a Braided Trunk Plant?

Braided trunks indicate either Ficus benjamina (weeping fig) or Schefflera arboricola (dwarf umbrella tree). Both are common gift plants.

Light: Bright, direct sun (south/west window) or outdoors in summer (east side).
Water: When soil is very dry (every 5–7 days indoors; daily outdoors in heat).
Fertilizer: Monthly at half strength.
Pruning: Trim to shape; encourages bushiness.

Ficus has small, pointed, glossy leaves. Schefflera has palmate (hand-shaped) leaflets. A photo confirms ID.

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