Why is my Schefflera (umbrella plant) dropping leaves, and how do I fix it?

1. Unsuitable light

Cause: Unsuitable light causes the Schefflera to drop leaves. Leaf drop is mainly caused by intense sun exposure in summer or by being kept in a spot with insufficient light for a long time.

Solution: When caring for a Schefflera in summer, keep it indoors around midday and on the balcony in the early morning and evening. If it has been kept in a spot with insufficient light for a long time, move it to a bright spot and after a period of care it will return to normal growth.

2. Improper watering

Cause: Improper watering causes the Schefflera to drop leaves. Too much water leads to root rot, and too little water dries out the soil; both cause leaf drop.

Solution: Keep the Schefflera in a bright, well-ventilated spot, mist more and water less, and only return to normal care once its new leaves have grown out.

3. Unsuitable temperature

Cause: Leaf drop in a Schefflera may also be caused by unsuitable temperature. Freezing at low temperatures and overheating at high temperatures both cause leaf drop.

Solution: Keep the Schefflera in a 15 degree to 25 degree environment and the leaf drop problem will be solved.

4. Unsuitable soil

Cause: Soil that is too alkaline, or too heavy and sticky and therefore not breathable or permeable, will cause the Schefflera to drop leaves.

Solution: When the soil is too alkaline, water it with ferrous sulfate fertilizer solution to improve the pH, reducing the alkalinity and making it slightly acidic. When the soil is too heavy and sticky, repot it or move it to a pot with better airflow to loosen the potting soil.

5. Pest and disease infection

Cause: Pest and disease infection can also cause the Schefflera to drop leaves.

Solution: If it is a pest problem, pick off the insects or apply insecticide. If it is a leaf disease, cut off the affected leaves. If the whole plant is affected, spray a fungicide.