Shredded umbrella plant (Syneilesis aconitifolia)

Also known as: Shredded Umbrella Plant

The shredded umbrella plant (Syneilesis aconitifolia) is a unique and intriguing ornamental plant prized for its distinctive foliage rather than its blooms. Its frond-like leaves resemble a tattered umbrella, making it a captivating addition to any garden. This shade-loving plant thrives in low-light conditions and serves as an excellent focal point in shady garden areas. The name "aconitifolia" refers to its leaves' resemblance to those of wolfsbane.

In This Article

Care Tips Water Sunlight Temperature Soil Fertilize Prune Propagation Repotting

Attributes of Shredded umbrella plant

Lifespan

Perennial

Plant Type

Herb

Plant Height

46 cm to 91 cm

Spread

60 cm

Leaf Color

Green Blue Gray Silver

Flower Size

2.5 cm

Flower Color

White Pink

Images of Shredded umbrella plant

Quickly Identify Shredded umbrella plant

Palmately lobed leaves with shredded appearance, unfolding from silvery-white hairs.

Distinctive brownish-purple unbranched stem, stiff and smooth in texture, 12-18 inches (30-45 cm) tall.

Small pinkish-white florets in corymb formation atop stems, blooming from June to July.

Cylindrical achenes with longitudinal ribs, crowned with pappus of delicate bristles, 0.2-0.24 inches (5-6 mm) long.

Late summer fruits in a color range of white to reddish, providing a textural contrast to foliage.

Scientific Classification of Shredded umbrella plant

Phylum

Vascular plants

Class

Dicotyledons

Order

Asters bellflowers fanflowers and allies

Family

Daisy

Genus

Syneilesis

Species

Shredded umbrella plant

Planting and Growing of Shredded umbrella plant

Care Difficulty

Easy

Watering Schedule

Every 3 days

Sunlight Requirements

Partial sun

Sunshine Duration

6-10 hours

Ideal Temperature

65-75℉

Soil Type

Potting Mix, Peat Mix

Soil pH

6.5-7.5

Fertilizer Type

Balanced

Pruning Season

Spring, Summer

Pruning Area

Branches, Leaves

Pruning Frequency

2 times a year

Repotting Season

Spring

Pot Type

Plastic, Ceramic

How to Water Shredded umbrella plant?

For Syneilesis aconitifolia, it is essential to maintain consistently moist soil, although it should not be waterlogged. Watering with approximately 200 ml per session should help keep the soil adequately moist. Ensure the topsoil feels damp but not soggy, adhering to the principle of 'moist but not wet.'

What are the symptoms of an underwatered Shredded umbrella plant? ›

What should I do if my Shredded umbrella plant is not getting enough water? ›

What are the symptoms of an overwatered Shredded umbrella plant? ›

How to save an overwatered Shredded umbrella plant? ›

What Are the Sunlight Requirements for Shredded umbrella plant?

Sunlight Requirements: Partial sun, Full shade

Duration of light: 2 to 6 hours daily

Syneilesis aconitifolia flourishes under partial sun to full shade, mimicking its natural woodland habitat. Adequate light conditions enhance its foliage display, ensuring lush and healthy growth.

What environment does Syneilesis aconitifolia thrive in? ›

How can I ensure my Syneilesis aconitifolia receives ideal light? ›

What benefits arise from ideal lighting conditions for Syneilesis aconitifolia? ›

More About Sunlight Requirements Techniques→

What Is the Ideal Temperature Range for Shredded umbrella plant?

Ideal Temperature: 65 ~ 75℉

For optimal growth, Syneilesis aconitifolia thrives in temperatures ranging from 65°F to 75°F. This range provides the right conditions for healthy leaf development and overall plant vigor. Maintaining these temperatures will ensure the plant's metabolic processes operate efficiently.

What Soil is Best for Shredded umbrella plant?

Soil type: Loam, Sandy loam

Soil PH: 6.5 ~ 7.5

Syneilesis aconitifolia thrives in well-drained soil because it helps prevent waterlogging, which can lead to root rot. The ability of the soil to allow excess water to escape ensures healthy root development and robust growth. This plant benefits from a nutrient-rich environment where the soil is enriched with organic matter such as compost. This enhances soil fertility, ensuring the plant receives essential nutrients for lush foliage and strong stems. The plant prefers soil that retains moderate moisture without becoming too soggy. This balance is crucial to maintain plant health and prevent dehydration, supporting consistent growth and healthy foliage.

How to Fertilize Shredded umbrella plant?

Fertilizer type: Balanced

For Syneilesis aconitifolia, a balanced approach to fertilization is essential. During the growing season, which spans from spring to early summer, use a diluted liquid fertilizer at half the recommended strength. This ensures that the plant receives adequate nutrients without the risk of root burn. Additionally, apply a slow-release granular fertilizer in early spring to support sustained growth throughout the season.

How to Prune Shredded umbrella plant?

Pruning Time: Spring, Summer

Begin pruning in early spring once the threat of frost has passed. This timing allows the plant to recover quickly and take advantage of the growing season. Make clean cuts at a slant angle just above a healthy leaf node. This encourages the stem to produce new growth and reduces the risk of disease entering the plant. While pruning, ensure not to remove more than a third of the plant at once, as excessive pruning can stress the plant and inhibit growth. More About Pruning Techniques→

How to Propagate Shredded umbrella plant plant?

Propagate Time: Spring, Early spring

Before dividing, ensure the parent plant is well-watered the day before. This helps the plant maintain better hydration during the process, reducing stress on both the parent and the newly divided sections, promoting healthier growth post-division.

Carefully dig around the base of the plant with a spade, aiming to minimize root damage. Use a sharp knife to separate the roots into sections, ensuring each division has sufficient root structure and foliage for successful re-establishment.

Replant the divisions into their new locations or pots promptly. Water thoroughly to settle the soil around the roots, and regularly check moisture levels to avoid letting the newly planted divisions dry out, especially during the initial few weeks.

More About Propagating Techniques→

How to Repot Shredded umbrella plant plant?

Repotting frequency: Every 2-3 years

Repotting should be considered when you see the roots starting to circle the pot or poking out from the drainage holes. Additionally, if the plant's growth rate has decreased noticeably, or the soil is drying out faster than usual, it's time to give it a new home.

Choose a pot that is slightly larger than the current one, with adequate drainage holes. The new pot shouldn’t be too big, as this can lead to root rot by retaining excess moisture. A correctly sized pot promotes healthy root development and overall plant vitality.

A well-draining loamy mix is ideal for Syneilesis aconitifolia. This type of soil has the perfect balance of retention and drainage, ensuring the roots get sufficient moisture without becoming waterlogged, which is key to preventing root diseases.