Question
Approximately 3 weeks ago I accidently over-watered my 20 year old umbrella tree plant, and since then, the leaves have been falling off. The smaller leaves are shriveling up and falling off, and the larger leaves are either turing white and falling off, and some of them are turning brown. (It's the smaller type of umbrella tree plant) I've had this plant for so long now that I would hate to see it die.  Any help you can give me will be greatly appreciated!

Answer
Hi Sue,

Schefflera arboricolas do not tolerate saturated soil very well at all. If the roots were deprived of oxygen for too long, then they may all be dead and the plant will not recover.

If some of the roots are still intact, then all you can do is make sure the soil dries out halfway down into the pot as soon as possible. Do not repot it or add fertilizer.

Very leggy stems can be pruned back. If the roots are healthy, new growth will emerge just below the point where you make the cut.

If you don't see signs of healthy new growth in the next month, then you can assume that the roots are dead.

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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