Hey all,

I have a lovely Schefflera that I am trying to take care of here. I've been watering when dry but it seems to be dropping a lot of leaves and is looking a bit sparser than it was a few weeks ago. The leaves are either brown or still quite healthy looking. I've just watered it again and moved it to a bit more direct sunlight from my very indirectly sunlit kitchen.

Any and all recommendations on care are welcome!

Thanks,
Jeff

hello!
Are you able to post a picture?
There can be a few explanations.. giving better light sounds like a great start!
Anything funny on the stems? I think I remember mine getting scale or mealybugs.. not sure tho.

Hi & welcome! Agree. And getting too dry would cause leaves to fall, but there could be something else wrong with it.

Thanks for the welcome folks! Here are some pictures...

I think it is getting too dry. Do you have a spot closer to a window?

I do, do you think I should give it a proper soaking as well?

purpleinopp said: I think it is getting too dry. Do you have a spot closer to a window?

Yep.

wdjeff said: I do, do you think I should give it a proper soaking as well?

Hi wdjeff,

Still a beautiful plant! If it was mine I'd give it a good soak.

Keep in mind dry soil can be hydrophobic at first and let water just drain through without absorbing much of it.

Multiple small quantities instead of one large one.

When mine are dry I'll poor a small amount to cover the pertinent area, give it about 5 minutes and come back a couple more times. Drain well.

Always good to just lift it when it's dry, two or three times to judge the weight.

Heft it again after you're done watering and the plant has drained for a while.

If it needs more you'll feel it, if you water-logged it you'll feel it.

Aim for the middle.

Compared to a lot of other leafy plants that I have, Scheffs are really thirsty.