Why Is My Schefflera Losing Leaves
March 6th, 2009 | By: Jamie Jamison AdamsAsk the Expert: re ny brassia actinophylla
have had indoors for the winter season and it has nearly lost all its leaves. what am i doing wrong. do not want to loose this lovely plant . have had almost five years. help me. Debbie
Reply:
Debbie,
Let’s examine the reasons that a green schefflera (Brassia actinophylla) loses leaves.
Extreme temperature changes. If the plant is used to one temperature an there is a sudden shift in temperature, it will lose its leaves. Is the plant in the path of an air vent? If so, move it where it will stay warm but not exposed to hot or cold air.
Insufficient light. If the plant isn’t getting enough light the leaves will turn yellow and drop off. Make sure the plant is in bright light. However, directly in front of a window can cause a burning issue with the leaves.
Water issues. If the plant is too wet or too dry the leaves will drop off. Does the soil feel dry or have you let it get dry? If this is the case, water the plant and make sure you keep it moderately moist. If it is too wet, make should it has proper drainage and don’t water till it is slightly dry.
Pathogens. If the plant has an issue with insects the leaves could drop off. Check the fallen leaves for signs of insects or sticky substances. You might need a magnifying glass to see the insects. If this is the problem you will need an insecticide.
Once you determine what is wrong, you can easily correct it. I have seen these plants drop all of their leaves and make a full recovery. The most important thing is to watch for new growth. If the plant is forming new growth, you should be ok.
We have a plant care page for Schefflera. It might have some information that will be helpful. You will have to scroll down the page to see the care information.
Good luck and please keep me posted.
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January 8th, 2012 at 4:39 am
My schefflera has also been losing it’s leaves. I had it outside because it is toxic and I have indoor cats. But, I brought it in for winter. It was doing wonderful… So full and I even had to transfer it twice. I noticed within a couple of weeks of bringing it indoors that nearly half the leaves had come off. This scared me and I thought it might be because it was used to sunlight. So, I started taking it out during the sunny and warmer days, as it has been nice here so far this winter. But, they continue to fall. Perhaps it is the temperature. It shows new growth but I have noticed the new growth is fragile and comes off too if touched. It still has about a quarter of it’s leaves and even more new growth but I was still worried about it. Good to know there is still hope for it to come back better than ever come Spring. I just wanted to make sure it’s normal and can be fixed.
Thanks,
Brandy
January 9th, 2012 at 3:03 pm
Your schefflera is most likely under stress caused by changes in it’s environment. If you’re bringing it indoors for the winter, make sure it’s out of range for air vents and other drafts. Keep the plant in a bright, sunny location out of direct sunlight. Unless the temperature outside is the same as the temperature inside, leave it where it is, especially while recovering. Be sure to keep it moderately moist and mist lightly during the winter. You should see new growth improve soon