Houseplant Q&A: Pruning Schefflera, Poinsettia Care & Brown Leaf Tips

Winter drives gardeners indoors, where houseplant puzzles await. Here are answers to three common dilemmas.

Schefflera Gone Wild? Prune Fearlessly

In the tropics, schefflera is a 40-foot invasive tree. Your 6-year-old "miniature tree" can be cut back by ¼ to ½ without harm—it'll sprout vigorously from any cut. Best time: late spring, when it can summer outdoors in shade for fastest regrowth. If pruning now, place in brightest light possible. Repot? Likely needed due to aged soil, not size. Wash old soil off roots, use quality mix, and return to same pot.

Poinsettia Survival Basics

• Bright light, water only when soil surface is dry.
• Remove foil wrapper; use a saucer.
• Fertilize now with houseplant food.
• Remove faded bracts; strip remaining ones when moving outdoors in April.
• Gradually introduce to full sun; it can become a large patio plant.

Brown Leaf Tips: Detective Work Needed

Brown tips/edges = water isn't reaching leaf margins. Causes: underwatering, overwatering (root rot), or hot/cold drafts. Check for furnace vents near plants. Slip root ball out of pot—healthy roots are white/firm; rotted are brown/mushy. Never let pots sit in drainage water.