Schefflera Pest Diagnosis: Scale Not Spider Mites

New Schefflera with distorted growth, blackened leaf edges, and tiny immobile bumps has scale insects, not spider mites. Outdoor shade exposure likely caused sun/heat stress on tender greenhouse-grown foliage.

Scale Treatment

1. 5 parts water, 1 part alcohol, squirt dish soap
2. Drench all surfaces until dripping
3. Focus on leaf backs and stem crevices
4. Repeat weekly until clear

Cultural Corrections

• Bright indirect light (few feet from window)
• Undo any repotting — return to nursery pot
• Water when top inch dry
• New growth should normalize indoors