Q.What’s Wrong With My Schefflera Tree?
So I’ve had this schefflera tree for about 2 months now. It’s a large tree that I paid a good bit for and I love it so I want to take good care of it However since I’ve had it, it’s leaves and sometimes entire stems have been falling. I’ve had a problem with mealy bugs since I got the tree and always wipe them with alcohol and recently got some neem oil to prevent them. However, right after I sprayed the neem oil, the little bit of new growth that I had died. I had some other newer stems that were curled inwards and were browning and since they were like that when I got the tree and it wasn’t getting any better I cut off that stem. (Pic) I don’t know what caused the curling and now the discoloration of my leaves (pic). I just want to keep my baby healthy and happy but it doesn’t seem like I’m doing to great of a job and I need help!
Certified GKH Gardening Expert
One issue may be its light source. It doesn't look like it's very close to a window. They are medium light plants which means bright but indirect light.
Watering is often an issue with houseplants. For the schefflera, let it dry out between waterings. Overwatering could cause the dropping of stems. The leaf discoloration could be attributed to spider mites. See the article below for more on spider mites.
Since you've had pest problems, it would help to take it outside and hose the leaves off well.
Did you repot the plant? The soil looks high on the stems. Whenever repotting make sure the plant is the same depth as it was previously to avoid stem rot. Also, only go up one size when repotting.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/botany-911-first-aid-for-ailing-houseplants.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/curled-houseplant-leaves.htm
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/schefflera/schefflera-plant-care.htm
