Question
I just got this plant about two months ago and I have been noticing a significant drop in the leaves, although looking at other questions, it seems as though this is normal.  I have recently noticed that the soil has lots of tiny little bugs in it.  You cant see the bugs unless you disturb the soil and then they surface only to disappear again beneath the surface.  I have never seen this kind of bug before and don't know how to treat the plant.  I don't feel I'm over watering, but if this is the cause, apparently I am.  I am also wondering if I need to re-pot this plant.  It looks to my untrained eye that it does, but I'm not sure if its the type of plant that likes to be in a tight pot.  Thank you in advance and I look forward to your response
Robyn Garner

Answer
Robyn,

How much sun is your schefflera getting? It needs to be sitting in front of a south facing window with the drapes & miniblinds open all day. I assume it is in a pot with a drain hole and a drain tray under it. When you water it the drain tray should be emptied  a few hours after watering so it is not constantly sitting in water. Constantly sitting in water could be the cause of the insects you are seeing. It does need to dry out completely before you water it again. If in doubt pick it up, if it is heavy do not water it, if it is light water it.  To kill the insects in the soil water it once with a bottle of rubbing alcohol, it will kill the inscets and not harm the roots of the schefflera.

If you feel it needs repotted wait until after April 1st to repot it when the days are longer and the roots are actively growing so the plant will recuperate faster. Then move it to a pot with a diameter 2 inches larger than the diameter of the pot it is in now. If you go to any larger pot it will stress the plant too much. If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck.

Darlene