How to Fix Yellowing, Dropping Leaves on the Umbrella Tree and Care Tips

The leaves of the umbrella tree (Schefflera arboricola) are shaped much like an umbrella, and it is a fairly popular indoor foliage plant. However, during cultivation it very easily develops yellowing, dropping leaves. So what should you do when the umbrella tree's leaves turn yellow and drop? What should you pay attention to when growing it?

1. What should you do when the umbrella tree's leaves turn yellow and drop?

There are many factors that cause the umbrella tree's leaves to turn yellow and drop, so when you notice this symptom on your own umbrella tree, you should first make a judgment based on your own growing conditions, and then deal with it accordingly.

1. Changes in the growing environment

(1) Cause analysis

For example, an umbrella tree newly purchased from a flower market or a plant that has just been repotted may sometimes develop yellowing, dropping leaves due to differences in the umbrella tree's own ability to adapt to the environment.

(2) Solution

Generally, yellowing, dropping leaves caused by this situation is nothing to worry about too much. You only need to ensure the umbrella tree is kept at the optimal temperature, light and moisture levels and carry out normal care, and there will usually be noticeable improvement in about 3-5 days.

2. Improper water management

(1) Cause analysis

Both overwatering and underwatering can cause the umbrella tree's leaves to turn yellow and fall off. If watered too little, the umbrella tree will suffer from a lack of water, so nutrients cannot be supplied to the leaves; if watered too much, the roots may rot due to waterlogging, directly causing the leaves to turn yellow.

(2) Solution

At this point you need to determine whether the yellowing leaves are caused by lack of water or by waterlogging. If it is due to lack of water, slowly water the soil and leaves; if it is only waterlogging, then drain the excess water and clean and disinfect the roots.

3. Unreasonable light control

(1) Cause analysis

The umbrella tree is suited neither to strong light nor to a dark environment. During cultivation, if the light is too strong or the light duration is too long, it will become “sun-yellowed”, while insufficient light will cause yellowing and dropping of leaves due to lack of photosynthesis.

(2) Solution

Move the umbrella tree to a spot with half shade and half sun, and with normal care it will recover.

2. What should you pay attention to when growing an umbrella tree?

In addition to the points above that need attention, there are also the following care notes for growing an umbrella tree.

1. The soil should be fertile

The soil for growing an umbrella tree needs to contain plenty of humus and be fairly loose and fertile. To achieve this, it is recommended that you mix leaf mold, river sand and garden soil, and apply a small amount of cake fertilizer.

2. Pay attention to pest and disease control

As for diseases, the umbrella tree is mainly prone to leaf spot and anthracnose, while pests include scale insects, red spider mites, leaf miners and so on. Normally you should pay attention to details of care such as temperature, light and watering, and if you find any, simply buy the relevant pesticides and treat them promptly.