When you have planted and cared for your Schefflera, you most likely do not expect to see any damage on the glossy leaves of your houseplant. Discovering brown spots on Schefflera is one of the most annoying experiences for Schefflera growers. Brown spots take a toll on the health and general aesthetics of the Schefflera houseplant.
If you have recently noticed brown spots on your Schefflera plants, you will want to know what is causing the brown spots and figure out means of dealing with the spots. This post covers more on Schefflera and how to revive spotty leaves.
What causes brown spots in the umbrella( Schefflera) plant leaves
Many things can cause the leaves of your Schefflera plants to turn brown. The main cause is usually a fungal infection to the plant, which you can easily manage. Here are some of the main causes of browning in Schefflera leaves.
1. Fungal infection
Schefflera leaves are the most tender part of the plant and are highly vulnerable to fungal infections. The fungus invades your plants and sucks out all the beneficial sap, leaving the leaves dry with holes in some parts. The extra large dark brown spots you see on Schefflera leaves are commonly caused by the fungus Alternaria Panax.
These fungi usually affect the mature lower leaves near the Schefflera crown. During the first days of infection, the fungus manifests as several tiny brown spots with yellow edges. The small spots join to form a large irregular dark brown spot making the leaves unsightly.
2. Overwatering
Watering Schefflera is an essential care practice. However, too much water can stress the plant.
When overwatered, Schefflera plants will show unhealthy growth symptoms. Oftentimes, the leaves start to wilt, turn yellow, and eventually brown.
Another way to identify overwatered Schefflera plants is by feeling the texture of the leaves. Mushy and soft leaves indicate the likelihood that the plant is overwatered.
The worst effect of overwatering Schelefera is root rot. Root rot can easily attract pests and infections to attack the plant leading to extremely bad conditions. If not handled properly, a Schefflera affected by root rot will die out within a short period.
3. Underwatering
Adequate water supply is a basic requirement for Schefflera plants to survive and thrive. As with overwatering, if your plants do not get enough water, the leaves start to wilt and eventually turn brown. Wilting and browning leaves may indicate that the plant is dehydrated and needs more water to return to revitalize.
The leaves of an underwatered Schefflera feel crispy upon touching, which implies that the plant is in the survival stage. Your plant can start shedding leaves to reduce the surface for transpiration.
How to remedy brown spots on Schefflera leaves
Before you think of how to remedy brown spots on Schefflera leaves, you need to identify the exact cause of browning. Here are a few remedies for brown spots on Schefflera leaves in regard to each cause listed above.
1. Apply fungicides
To save your Schefflera plants from fungal infection, cut away all the infected leaves and prune out infected branches to keep the infection from spreading to other parts of the plant. You may want to apply a fungicide to kill or drive away the fungi. Natural compounds like lavender and Neem oil can work well in controlling fungal infections in Schefflera leaves.
2. Reduce the watering interval
If your plant is turning brown because of too much water, you can help it out by allowing the soil to dry out before you water again.
Providing your plants with enough water and allowing the soil to dry between watering sessions can help remedy the issue of browning. A good watering routine will help the plant develop new roots as those affected by root rot dry off.
3. Apply enough water
Most houseplants, including Schefflera, require an adequate water supply to thrive. Always water at least three times a week, or wait until half the potting soil dries out between. Just adequate water can also help drive away pests clinched on the plant leaves.
After saving your Schefflera leaves from browning, give the plant adequate care to keep it healthy. Avoid overwatering, underwatering, or crowding the plants to reduce the chances of infection.
Conclusion
Schefflera are glossy green houseplants that need adequate care to thrive. If your green Schefflera leaves have started browning, hopefully, this post will help you bring them back to life.