Question
Hi Will.  I have an umbrella tree and it has been very healthy and thriving for years.  I re-potted it when I first got it (4 years ago) and it has remained in the same location, by my patio doors which receive morning light from sunrise until around noon, for years.  I water it when the soil appears dry and fertilize it once a month or so.  Recently (the last week) it's leaves have been Turing yellow poco-dotted and falling off at alarming rates (20 leaves a day).  I have checked it for spider mites and there does not appear to be any. Two weeks ago it was very healthy and  thriving producing new sprouts, green and happy.
Help!!!
Thanks

Answer
Hi Frankie,

I am going to assume that your plant is a a Schefflera arboricola. It is unusual that it would do so well for so long and then suddenly start to deteriorate so much in the past week. Here are some possibilities, most of which you can probably rule out:

1. Exposure to a sudden, dramatic change in temperature, hot or cold.
2. Exposure to a chemical air pollutant - aerosol spray, paint, etc.
3. Something toxic added to the soil - pet urine, food or beverages.
4. The soil became unusually dried out a week or so prior to its decline.
5. Gradual root rot that has now started to take its toll.
6. Failure to prune.

Upon reflection you should be able to determine if any of the first four above apply.

Root rot is insidious because it takes place out of sight and is usually gradual. When plant roots are not allowed to dry out sufficiently in between waterings, root rot slowly develops until it reaches a point where the roots are no longer able to function properly to support the stems and leaves. This is particularly likely to occur if it is potted in a pot without drain holes. If you suspect root rot, carefully remove the plant from its pot just before you are ready to water it again. If the roots and surrounding soil are wet and soggy, then you know it is root rot. Healthy roots are light colored and firm. There is no cure for root rot other than to take healthy tip stem cuttings and propagating them.

Your Schefflera can support a limited number of leaves determined by the amount of available light. Once it reaches that maximum, it starts to shed older, lower leaves so that it can continue to produce new leaves at the tip ends of the stems. In this case, the solution is to prune back the tallest stems. New growth will emerge on cut stems just below the place on the stem where you make the pruning cut. Pruning will lead to a shorter, but fuller, more compact plant.

Get back to me if you have questions about how to remedy any one of these potential problems.

I have written articles on Schefflera care, pruning and diagnosing plant problems 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  www.HorticulturalHelp.com