Question
I have a beautiful scheffelera that someone gave me and it is the tree type at about 7 ft. tall.  I have noticed it is starting to get black spots on the underside of the leaves and now it is killing the leaves by the ends turning black and shrinking up.  What do I do, I don't want to lose it.  It still has new growth but I note that even some of the new leaves have started to turn black.  Help.

Answer
Hi Brenda
I am sorry it has taken me so long to answer, I have been down with a ear and sinus infection and have not even been on the computer!
It sounds as if your plant is suffering from some type of a rot.  Is it sitting in water?  Is there a way you can check the roots to see if they are rotted and if the soil is soggy?
Also, check for spider mite, look for small webs within the leaf brackets.
Let me know what you find.
Good Luck
Leslie