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Top Questions About Schefflera Plants

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Questions About Schefflera Plants

  • Answered by
    Heather on
    May 7, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Try adding a nitrogen rich fertilizer. This should encourage leaf growth. If you have been using a balanced fertilizer, there may be too little nitrogen.

    Also, make sure it is getting enough light. This may also retard new growth.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    June 12, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    It likely is a fungus (there are several that create brown spots) and should be treatable with fungicide.

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  • Answered by
    theficuswrangler on
    June 14, 2012
    A.

    The most likely fungus culprits flourish in damp soil, so for long term control, try not to water so much. Schefflera really detest wet roots. The soil needs to be fully aerated before watering again; that is, if you dig up a spoonful of soil from as far down the pot as you can reach, at least 6", it should feel cool and pleasant, and if you squeeze it, it should clump together not at all, or only slightly.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    July 3, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    It sounds like you have fungus gnats, likely from the overly wet soil. This article will help: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/special/children/fungus-gnats.htm

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  • Answered by
    theficuswrangler on
    July 6, 2012
    A.

    Yep, it sounds like you have fungus gnats. We have found that fungus gnats almost never occur in numbers large enough to damage plants, probably because they are so annoying people get rid of the plants before the gnat population gets too high. Also, they live mostly in the top 2" of soil, so before any other treatment, scrape off this soil and replace with gardening, or builders SAND - gnats can't live in the sand because it doesn't hold water. If you have other plants, put the affected one by itself, so the gnats don't spread. And don't use muddy potting soil; if you open the bag and its wet, or any bugs fly out of it, return it. Try not to buy soil where it is stored outside.

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  • Answered by
    Nikki on
    July 21, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    Leggy plants are normally caused by insufficient light, so I would move the plant somewhere brighter. Rather than sticking the cuttings in water, you should put it in good potting soil (dip the cut end in rooting hormone, if desired) and place in an area with high humidity and indirect light until roots develop. A plastic bag covering the pot and cutting will help to keep the humidity high. This article will help with its care: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/schefflera/schefflera-plant-care.htm

    The dracaena likley needs some pruning back and you should get new growth.

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  • Answered by
    theficuswrangler on
    July 27, 2012
    A.

    Yes. Legginess in plants can also be caused simply by being overgrown;i.e., not enough roots to support all the leaves, so the older, lower leaves fall off. Schefflera are especially good at sending out new shoots when they are pruned, so you should have some good regrowth. Rooting cuttings is much more difficult, but give it a try. Rooting in water is actually a misguided activity: while some plants will root in water, when you put them in soil, they have to grow new roots, because water roots are different than soil roots. And then, of course, many plants will not rot in water at all.

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  • Answered by
    theficuswrangler on
    August 3, 2012
    A.

    You shouldn't have any problem getting the cut stem of dwarf schefflera - otherwise known as arboricola - to sprout new growth; they're generally very enthusiastic. It is not necessary to cut off leaves - new growth will sprout from the area near the cut, removing leaves has nothing to do with it. Also, if you were to wrap it with sphagnum, you would be encouraging it to make roots.; look up "air layering" for more info.

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  • Answered by
    theficuswrangler on
    September 12, 2012
    A.

    Try putting it in a spot where it will get more light, probably near a window, without direct sun; it sounds like acclimatization stress. Don't worry about repotting until the plant has stabilized. Growers put their plants in good potting medium and fertilize them well, because they're interested in strong, fast growth. You can leave it in its grow pot for a year, unless the soil gets so full of roots and the plant grows so much that t's toppling over.

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  • Answered by
    Heather on
    December 10, 2012
    Certified Expert
    A.

    You can root cuttings in soil. This article will help:
    https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/schefflera/schefflera-plant-cuttings.htm

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  • Answered by
    AnnsGreeneHaus on
    December 11, 2012
    A.

    zawacki, i've found that soil roots are much tougher and more sturdy than water roots. I use bottom heat and mist for 90%+ rooting success. If you don't have a greenhouse, you can make one with sticks, pencils, dowels, straws or plastic cultery and a thin sheet of plastic. (dry cleaner bag or food wrap). Keep the cuttings in a well lit place, but not direct sun. Don't try to root wood. Use green stems from 4-10" long, and discard most of the leaves. Regular household temperatures are sufficient. Good luck.

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