Overwatering, cold drafts, or a sharp change in conditions. Stabilize watering, keep it away from drafts, and let the soil dry appropriately.

Leggy, stretched stems

Not enough light. Move to brighter indirect light and pinch tips to encourage bushiness.

Sticky leaves or fine webbing

Scale or spider mites, common on schefflera. Wipe leaves down and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.

Overwatering and edema from waterlogged roots. Cut back on water and improve drainage.

Houseplants

A fast, bushy plant whose leaflets fan out like umbrella spokes. Forgiving and quick to fill a corner, but toxic to pets.

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Light

Bright, indirect

Where to put it

Bright indirect light near an east or west window. It grows leggy in low light and scorches in harsh direct sun.

Watering

Every 1–2 weeks, less in winter.

Soil mix

A standard well-draining potting mix with some perlite.

Pot

Any pot with drainage; size up gradually as it grows.

Repotting

Every 1–2 years while young, then less often as it matures.

Propagation

Propagate from stem cuttings rooted in moist soil or water, or by air layering larger stems.

Pets

Toxic to pets if eaten.

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Sudden leaf drop. Overwatering, cold drafts, or a sharp change in conditions. Stabilize watering, keep it away from drafts, and let the soil dry appropriately.
Leggy, stretched stems. Not enough light. Move to brighter indirect light and pinch tips to encourage bushiness.
Sticky leaves or fine webbing. Scale or spider mites, common on schefflera. Wipe leaves down and treat with insecticidal soap or neem oil.
Black spots or blistered undersides. Overwatering and edema from waterlogged roots. Cut back on water and improve drainage.