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Help! What Is My ‘Tree’ Dying

Ask The Plant Expert:

I’ve had this “tree” for over 15 years.  (I’m not even sure what type it is.) The leaves have always fallen off from the bottom as it grows, but they are falling off more quickly lately. Now the upper leaves are getting brown spots.  Help, what can I do!  Thank you, Karen

Schefflera Shedding Leaves

Flower Shop Network Plant Expert Reply:

Karen,

Your Schefflera could be experiencing one of two problems: insufficient water or a fungal problem. The first thing to do is assess your watering practices. Check the rootball to make sure it is fully saturated when you water. Then make sure that the plant does not need to be repotted. If the plant is receiving enough water, then check the plant for a fungal issue.

If your plant has Alternaria leaf spot (Alternaria panax) the newly formed spot will have a wet appearance and the spot will spread until the whole leaves is infected.  This can be controlled by removing the leaves that are infected. Also, make sure that water does not touch the leaves.

I hope this information is helpful.  Please let me know if I can help with anything else.