The Schefflera is also known colloquially as the ray aralia and is a distinctive houseplant. That is why it has established itself as an ornamental plant in the home and office space. Due to its resilient characteristics, the Schefflera is usually very easy to care for, but certain conditions and care mistakes can result in leaf loss. In this case, immediate remedial measures are necessary, otherwise the radiation aralia can perish as a result.
Leaf loss
If leaves fall off every now and then, nobody has to worry about it. Each plant loses more or less leaves over time, this is also the case with the Schefflera. After a few years, it looks mostly bare, especially in the lower trunk area. The fact that the leaves only show up at the top is a completely normal and age-related process. In older specimens, leaf loss is a natural process that cannot be prevented or treated. This is not a disturbance, but it does not look very appealing.
- Schefflera is usually robust and resilient
- Plant regularly sheds leaves
- Increased leaf loss is no longer normal
- This can cause the plant to die
- Be sure to research the causes
- Reasons for leaf shedding must be identified in good time
- Then take suitable countermeasures promptly
- This enables the houseplant to continue to exist
Temperature values
The Schefflera makes certain demands on the temperature values, if these are too high or too low, then there is an increased loss of leaves. For an even and straight growth habit, it is recommended that the
Rotating ray aralia repeatedly in the direction of incidence of light. Otherwise, it can happen that the abundance of leaves on the side of the plant facing away from the light subsides quickly. On the other hand, new leaves continue to form densely on the other side.- Does not tolerate the cold
- Temperatures below 10-12 ° C lead to the shedding of the leaves
- Heat is also not tolerated
- Leaves burn under strong sun
- Temperatures between 15-20 ° C are ideal
Root rot
Although the Schefflera is very robust and therefore not particularly susceptible to diseases, the plant tends to develop root rot. This is a harmful fungal attack that is caused by too much moisture. This root rot is quite often the cause of intensive leaf shedding, as the rotten roots can no longer supply the plant with water after a while. In the worst case, it can even lead to the complete death of the ray aralia. Therefore, the plant should be checked regularly. To do this, it is taken out of the pot to check the substrate and roots. Healthy roots are firm and firm to the touch, the substrate should not be too wet. If the root rot is found, then quick countermeasures are required to save the crop.
- Too moist substrate causes root rot
- First the leaves turn yellow
- After that, most of the foliage falls off
- At the same time, a putrid smell rises from the earth
- Damp and mushy roots are affected by root rot
- Roots and shoots turn black over time
- Never water the Schefflera too much, avoid waterlogging at all costs
- Take the infected plant out of the pot and remove the entire substrate
- Also remove all putrid plant and root parts
- Then repot the plant in fresh substrate
Tip: The excess irrigation water must never remain in the coaster for more than a few hours, which is why it should be emptied soon after watering.
dryness
Just like waterlogging, the exact opposite can also lead to increased leaf shedding. If the Schefflera suffers from drought permanently, this weakens its immune system. The plant originally comes from the Asian rainforests and therefore constantly needs a slightly moist substrate. In general, the substrate may dry out a little between the casting units, but it may not dry out completely. In addition, it takes time for the plant to shed its leaves when it is dry. When the earth is dry for more than two weeks, the leaves will gradually begin to shed. If the soil completely dries out several times, this leads to brown edges on all leaves. In addition, the plant sheds its already open leaf buds.
- Leaves hanging limply on the trunk indicate a lack of water
- The leaves are then shed
- The cause is often the dryness of the balls
- Water abundantly to compensate for deficiency symptoms
- Leaves straighten up again after watering
- If the substrate is extremely dried out, place it in a water bath
- Let it rest in the water for a few minutes
Note: Since moist substrate is heavier than dry soil, you can tell by lifting the planter whether a new watering unit is due.
Site conditions
The site conditions are extremely important for the ray aralia so that it can feel comfortable and grow healthily. If the Schefflera is dissatisfied with the location, the plant shows this by shedding its leaves. During the summer months, the plant can move outside, for example on the balcony or terrace. However, the summer residence should not be too sunny. At this time of year, appropriate shading is useful, as otherwise there is a risk of burns on the leaves. Must have after purchase and after a change of location
- Incorrect locations cause leaf loss
- Doesn't like location conditions that are too dark
- Also does not tolerate drafts
- A light to partially shaded place is ideal
- Avoid direct sunlight and midday heat
- A location without sun in the midday is ideal
- Otherwise, ensure there is sufficient shade at lunchtime
- Either draw the curtains or lower the blinds
Pests
Despite its resilience, the Schefflera is susceptible to attack by pests. If mistakes creep in during maintenance and the site conditions are not right, various vermin quickly spread. These pests are often the reason why the ray aralia sheds more of its leaves. In order to track down these culprits, the leaves and especially the undersides of the leaves must be carefully inspected. The insatiable insects gradually eat their way through the plant tissue and cause the leaves to be shed. While mites and lice are familiar to most gardeners, many have never heard of the thrips. The insect is tiny, with a body size of only 1-2 mm it is easily overlooked. Colloquially it is also called storm fly and is either yellow, dark brown or black in color.
- Susceptible to spider mites and thrips
- There is also frequent infestation with aphids, scale insects and mealybugs
- Isolate the infected plant first to prevent it from spreading
- Shower off with a sharp jet of water
- Always prefer natural home remedies
- Use antidotes based on neem oil
- Alternatively, spray with a solution of soft soap and wash off
- Apply the agent repeatedly until the infestation has been eliminated
- Carry out strict follow-up checks
- Spread useful predators: this includes lacewing larvae and predatory mites
Tip: After the pests have been successfully controlled, appropriate measures must also be taken to maintain plant health. This includes the right care steps and a suitable location, otherwise it can quickly lead to a renewed pest infestation, which sooner or later kills the radiation aralia.
