Question
It is over 6 ft in a huge pot, sitting in the middle of our open floor plan. Gets light all day from all angles. I have had him for almost 20 years and now the leaves are yellowing, falling off and there has been no new growth for months!
Most recently re-potted three years ago. No scale. No bugs. No mold on the soil. We feed him in the summer.
I am very attached to this plant and have no clue what is wrong. All the other plants in the area are healthy - mostly ferns.
HELP!!!!!!!!!!!!
Thanks,
Nan

Answer
Hi Nan,

Twenty years is a long time to keep a Schefflera going. As Scheffleras age, they become ever taller and lose older leaves from the bottom. If the light is less than ideal, the new growth will be smaller and eventually the growth rate slows down and almost stops. Without seeing a photo of your plant and without knowing just how far it is from the nearest uncovered window, I can only speculate about how this might apply to your Schefflera. But if you can improve the light, that may help. Pruning may also help trigger some new growth.

It is also possible that the soil has become compacted after all these years. When that happens, the air pockets are squeezed out of the soil and the roots can slowly suffocate. Sometimes punching holes by poking a garden stake deep into the soil will help aerate the soil.

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

Visit my website at  www.HorticulturalHelp.com

If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]