Schefflera leaf drop

Look for sticky residue on lower leaves or the surface below the plant. Scale and mealybugs can cause leaf loss, and their traces are easy to miss among the umbrella-shaped leaf clusters.

Sticky or speckled foliage

Inspect stems, leaf joints, and undersides. Remove visible scale or mealybugs, separate the plant, and follow a treatment suited to the identified pest. Fine speckling without stickiness can be mites.

No pest signs

Check moisture in the root ball and recall recent moves or cold drafts. Water a dry root ball evenly; empty runoff from a wet pot. A newly dark position may need brighter light and less frequent watering. Firm stems with new buds can regrow after leaf loss.