Question
UMBRELLA:
I have an umbrella tree (inside) in a planter that's opening is about 1 and 3/4 ft in diameter. I re-planted my plant into this pot about 5 months ago, and some of it's roots are already popping out through the surface of the dirt. Is it time to re-pot again already? Also the leaves are very droopy, what kind of light and watering pattern does this plant need? My friend has one that is SO much fuller than mine, what am I doing wrong?

JADE:
I have a jade house plant that I have in direct sunlight but the leaves don't seem as "plump" as they are supposed to be. I know that they don't like  a lot of water-but if the leaves are skinny/flat does it mean that I need to water it more for a while to fill the leaves back up?

THANKS SO SO much for you help. A green thumb I am not!

Nancy Lee
Bellingham, Wa

Answer
Hi Nancy,

Unless your Schefflera is very tall, then an 18 or 20 inch diameter pot is too large for it. Exposure of surface roots is not a good reason to repot now or before.

I am concerned that the leaves may be sagging now because the roots have slowly rotted since you repotted it 5 months ago. Unnecessary repotting adds excess soil that retains moisture and keeps root wet for too long.

Scheffleras do best in very bright light with several hours of direct sun each day. Right in front of a sunny window is best, especially at your latitude in Bellingham. Allow the top four inches of soil to dry out before watering.

Some varieties of Jade have flatter leaves than others. If the leaves are slightly shriveled, then they ae not getting enough water. If they are fat, but firm, then they are OK and there is no need for you to alter your watering.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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

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