Its leaves are thin, coppery red to dark green with toothed edges and consist of 7-11 leaflets.

In autumn it bears clusters of pale green flowers followed by black fruit.

With a minimum temperature of 13–15 °C (55–59 °F), in temperate zones it is grown as a houseplant and is much more compact, typically reaching heights of 2–3 m (7–10 ft).

This plant has little branching and is sensitive to the appearance of mealybugs.

Under the name Schefflera elegantissima, this plant has gained the Royal Horticultural Society's Award of Garden Merit.