Question
I recently repotted my 'Schef', placing pebbles inside the bottom of the pot to help with drainage. The first few weeks all seemed well, now the plant is extremely limp and any new growth turns black and drops. Repotting (without the pebbles...simply drainage holes) may be the answer...but I'm not sure. Please help. Thanks.

Answer
Hi Harry,

When new growth on a Schefflera turns black it is almost always because the roots are rotting. When roots rot it is most commonly because of unnecessary and improper repotting.

You have not offered any details as to why you decided to repot, but my years of professional experience tell me that repotting unnecessarily is the most common of all plant care mistakes. Potted plants do much better when their roots are crowded.

In addition, most folks don't know how to repot properly when it is appropriate to repot. Using the correct pot size, the proper potting mix, loosening the outer rootball and never putting "drainage material" in the bottom of the pot or new soil on top of the original rootball are all very importnat considerations that are often overlooked.

You did mention that you placed pebbles in the bottom of the pot. For scientific reasons that are counter-intuitive, that shortens the rootball and actually causes the soil to retain moisture longer rather than shorter. Using a pot without a drain hole is never a good idea, unless you are double-potting.

I don't know if it is too late, but my advice is for you to undo the repotting. That means carefully removing all of the potting soil that you added. If you are lucky, the original rootball will remain intact and can be placed back inside a pot the same size as the original and one that has  a drain hole. The removal of excess soil and the addition of a drain hole will allow the soil to dry out more frequently and that will allow essential oxygen back into the root zone. It is the lack of oxygen in saturated soil that causes roots to rot.

Be sure to allow the top quarter of the soil to dry out before you add any water. If you prefer a more attractive pot, get one that is large enough for the smaller pot with draiange holes to fit inside. This double potting allows you to water and see if any excess accumulates in the bottom of the outer pot. If it does, simply pour it out.

I have written an article on repotting 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