Schefflera arboricola Black Tips and Leaf Drop: Root Rot from Overwatering

Black tips on new growth and progressive branch dieback in Schefflera indicate severe root rot, usually from soil staying too wet after repotting or moving indoors without reducing watering.

No Cure, Only Management

• Keep in warm, bright light.
• Allow soil to dry ⅓ deep before adding a small amount of water.
• Recovery is very slow; plant may never regain former size.

Prevention for Future

• Repot only 1 size up; use porous mix.
• Cut watering drastically when moving plants inside.

By the time foliage shows black tips, root damage is advanced.