Question
I bought two small schefflera and after I brought them home, I started seeing some spots on the younger leaves (the ones at the top of the plant).  Some of the leaves also look like they've been eaten a bit (there is a small piece of leaf missing and the edge is blackened).  Two new buds opened and died before they grew much and the stems near them look like they've been affected too.  

I had originally put these plants outside in the shade for a couple of days, but now they are in a spot in my kitchen that gets indirect sunlight all day (I had a schefflera plant here before that did really well until my friend housesat and didn't water it for two months...).  I think they are getting the right amount of water and sunlight, and I am also seeing tiny spots on the undersides of the leaves that I think may be spider mites.  They are big enough that I can remove them with a fingernail and look more closely at them, but they are still quite tiny.  When I look at them, they don't seem to be moving.  Are these spider mites?  What is the best way to get rid of them?   Thanks!

Answer
Hi Sophie,

Distortion and/or discoloration of new growth can be caused by temperature extremes, too much sunlight and over watering.

Outdoor light (even in shade) is much more intense than indoor light, so it is possible that your Schefflera reacted to the intense outdoor light. If so, then future new growth should be fine now that you have it indoors. Likewise, if it was exposed to temps over 85 degrees F.

Indoors it should be within a few feet of an uncovered, moderately bright window. Make sure it is not too far away.

It is hard for me to tell you how to water because I don't know if it is properly potted. If you repotted, then you are probably over watering it and I suggest you undo the repotting and get it back into its original pot. If it is in its nursery pot, then it is best to water thoroughly as soon as the top inch of soil feels dry.

I suspect your plant has scale insects, not spider mites. In either case, I don't think they are responsible for the damage you are seeing to the new leaves. Scale insects are slightly raised translucent or brown bumps about the size of a match head usually found on the backsides of leaves and stems. They scrape off easily with a fingernail. Treat them with a spray solution of 5 parts water, 1 part rubbing alcohol and a squirt of liquid dish soap. The key is to drench all leaf and stem surfaces until they are dripping wet. This is a messy process, but thoroughness is the key to effectiveness.

I have written articles on Schefflera care, on repotting and on treating various plant pests that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com