Question
Hi, I have an Umbrella plant in a pot in my flat. I've had the plant for a few years now. Lately some leaves have started to turn yellow and drop off. I would say about two or three a day. I liva in South Africa so we are getting on towards the end of winter now - could it just be a reaction to the lower temperatures and light levels? And how much water is this plant supposed to get in winter?

Thanks
Elizabeth

Answer
Elizabeth,

In winter the plant should be dry before you water it again. You can insert a bamboo skewer into the soil and it should come out dry before you water it. Yellow leaves do tend to indicate too much water.

The plant does prefer lots of sun, in fact in summer you can put it outdoors in full sun even in a tropical location. If it is not getting enough light the leaves turn black and fall off.

So cut back on the water and it should be fine, giving it more sun would not hurt either. It would recuperate from overwatering faster. Good luck.

Darlene