Arboricola Schefflera – Top Leaves Clumped

Question

Hi,

My Arbies are tall, over 6ft, and sit by the window. The top leaves don’t open up in the nice, palm-like layout. They stay clumped together, half-closed, but grow and develop full size. New shoots continue to grow.

The clumped leaves appeared above the upper window sill. Could it be from insufficient light?
The plants are losing their lower leaves, in the section between the floor and lower window sill.

Answer 1

Yes. This is, absolutely, the case here. They like very bright but filtered light. I prefer the dwarf varieties, as they only get about 4 feet tall… unfortunately, these schefflera can get upwards of 13 feet tall!

The good thing here is that you can prune them pretty heavily, and they will branch out. This will be your only way of keeping this manageable. I would also fertilize with all purpose slow release once or twice a year. Although they do not need it, they do better with it.

Here is an article for the care of these: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/schefflera/schefflera-plant-care.htm

Answer 2

Yes, the top and bottom of your plant is not getting enough light. When Schefflera become leggy and overgrown you can prune them back.
this link will help you.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/schefflera/schefflera-plant-pruning.htm