Question
The schefflera plant in our church has white fuzzy scales on the back of the leaves and some on the front.  What can I do to get rid of this.  Some of the leaves are turning yellow and may be dying from this.  

Answer
Gloria,

The white fuzzy scales are insects called mealy bugs. Spray them twice a week with rubbing alcohol full strength in a spray bottle for at least 4 weeks. That should kill any eggs that hatch and take care of them if you are persistant. The alcohol kills them on contact.

However, the mealy bugs attack plants when they are stressed. The schefflera is either getting too much water or not enough sun and that is stressing it and making it vulnerable to attack. Move it to a sunnier location, they love the sun and make sure it is getting very dry between waterings.  Good luck.

Darlene