Schefflera Arboricola Q?

[phenom]

hey everybody,
we got this Schefflera a while ago. it did well for a while, then started to go downhill. first it just really started to thin out, but now there's no new growth, and is starting to wilt & turn black. we water regularly, but it isn't getting a lot of sun during the summer. any suggestions would be great.

TIA

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a272/phenom5/IMG_1907.jpg

http://i13.photobucket.com/albums/a272/phenom5/IMG_1908.jpg

[HarleyGal]

Can't help much with the plant problem! :unsure: I've had mixed success growing those! I know some of our house plant gurus will be along soon with an answer for you, though! :D

Oh--I did want to welcome you to Blossom Swap, too!! :D We learn a lot and laugh a lot, too! :lol:

[Ichigo]

Oh, I have one of those. I think some of the names it goes by is Octopus plant or Umbrella plant.
Hmm....I'd say, judging by the picture, you should open those blinds behind the plant and let some light in! :P Maybe you're watering too much? Do you let it dry out much between waterings? For awhile mine wasn't growing much either, but since I have moved into a house with triple the windows I had before, it has taken off! I could probably water mine more often though. I think i water mine twice a month--not good, I know. :rolleyes:

Btw, Welcome to BlossomSwap! :D

[boo]

Are you overwatering it?

The top few inches of soil should dry out between watering.

Also it may have been stressing from the greenhouse to your home if the light isn't very good.

I would change the potting soil & maybe the pot. Make sure it has good drainage & try not to love your plant too much with the water. :)

Welcome to BlossomSwap!

[OSunshine]

Does the soil have a sour smell? I would guess that you have a root fungus. whenever I see a plant that dies off a piece at a time it generally indicates a root problem. I would repot it and replace all the soil. While you have it out of the pot check it's root system to make sure it's still firm not mushy. Cut off all the brown and black parts. Increase the light significantly. They are high light plants. Don't overwater, it's better to let them go a little dry than to give them too much water. And let me join the others in saying Welcome to B.S.

[terese]

Looks like you got some great advice so I'll just say welcome to the BS. :D

[grindle]

Welcome to BS :rolleyes:

[MrSeedy]

They do like bright light, and without it they can get weak and disease prone. I'd move it to a brigher spot, somewhere?? They're usually pretty tough plants, but do need the light.

[gonzer]

B) Wouldn't happen to have any heating or AC ducts above it would you?

[DandyLioness]

Hmmm... I have one in the office where I work. It gets only the overhead light that I get - as there are no windows. I water it once a week and it's doing just fine. WELCOME to BS! :D