A Gardeners Forum Forums Gardening Reference Gardening in 2006 My Scheffelera is losing leaves - HELP!

I recieved a planter basket for a funeral and I re potted 2 Scheffeleras together in a 10" pot. While it was in the basket, I had it near a light with a grow bulb. I relocated it in a shadier area up high on a shelf after I noticed it was losing leaves and stems. When I re potted it, I used a liquid fertilizer with water. What am I doing wrong? I really want to save this plant. Not to mention, I don't want to hear my husband tease me about killing yet another plant!

changes can cause plants to have problems

ex. repotting, light change, location change

Light changes,temp changes can cause this. They need to get acclimated to their new place before you try doing anything to them. Let it dry out between waterings and no fertilzer for about 3-4 weeks. Brighter light, not direct sun but shaded sun. Look for insects like spider mites or aphids. Safer killing soap will take care of them IF you have them, follwo lable directions.

Happy holidays!

Tom

About how long will this "shedding" last before I get worried?

as long as you have leaves, especially new leaves, don't worry about it. the older, dropped leaves are from the changes, they can't adjust. the new leaves will be fine. it can take a few days or several weeks.