Question
Okay...so, first question is, what's the correct spelling of Shaffolera?  I have what I believe to be a miniature shaffolera...and I think its somewhat sunburned....what's the best way to recouperate it?  I'm going to take it to my office, so it will be in a temperature controlled fluorescent lit environment.....

Answer
Hi there,

The correct botanical name and spelling for your plant is Schefflera arboricola.

Any leaves damaged by the sun will not recover their green color. You can leave the damaged leaves on or you can remove them if they look ugly.

Your plant does best in bright indirect light; in front of a north or east window, for example, or to the side of a south or west window. If the only available light is fluorescent, then be sure that the plant is directly under the light and that the light is kept on for at least 8 hours every day.

Arboricolas are very sensitive to overwatering. You can prevent that by providing good light, by keeping it potbound (no repotting), and watering it only when the top quarter of the soil feels dry to the touch. Without natural light, it will take longer for the soil to dry out.

Fertilize sparingly, but only if it is in natural light.

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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