Schefflera Leaf Drop: Light, Mealybugs, and Root Rot

Your 1-year-old Schefflera in a bright corner suddenly dropped leaves (brownish-green, some with white spots) after you closed blinds for heat. Then branches blackened, green leaves detached.

Three Problems, One Fix

1. Light starvation: Move directly in front of your south windows. Scheffleras love sun.
2. Mealybugs: White cottony spots = mealybugs. Spray 70% alcohol on all surfaces weekly × 4 weeks.
3. Overwatering/root rot: Black stems = rot. Water ONLY when pot feels light and soil is dry 2+ inches down.

Critical

Do not water on a schedule. Check weight/moisture. Full sun + dry soil + alcohol spray = recovery.