Question
I bought a schefflera arboricola from a local B&Q store about 9 months ago to put in my south westerley facing conservatory.  Since the day i bought it the leaves have been dropping from the top of the plant.  I have tried different locations but nothing has stopped the leaf drop.  It has been in my conservatory for about 3 months now, in a south westerly window.  It has direct sunlight for about 3-4 hours a day depending on weather!  It is away from the doors so no draughts.  It has tried to grow new leaves from the top but get to about 1cm big and then turn black and fall off.  The leaves are falling from the top of the plant - bottom is OK at the moment. I have tried overwatering and underwatering but no difference. I have noticed some tiny white 'stuff' on the underside of the leaves - could this be the problem or is it something else.  Your guidance would be greatly appreciated.

Answer
Sue,

Stop moving it around, all the moving and experimanting stresses it. It needs sun for as many hours a day as possible, all day if possible. Black leaves usually indicate not enough sun or too much water. It must be in a pot that is not too large and has a drainage hole in the bottom of the pot with a drain tray under it. You must give it enough water that all the soil in the pot is moist and some water goes into the drain tray and an hour later you should empty the drain tray.

Then insert a bamboo shish kabob skewer into the soil all the way to the bottomm of the pot and cut it off just above the top of the soil. About 5 days after you watered the plant pull the skewer out and see if it is dry or moist. It it is dry down to the bottom 1-2 inches it is time to water the plant. If it is still moist higher than 2 inches wait 2 days and check again. Do not water until the plant is nearly dry.

Yes, the white stuff on the back of the leaves is a problem. It is mealy bugs and the white stuff is it's camoflage. You need to get a spray bottle and put 70% isopropyl alcohol mixed 50/50 with water and add 1 teaspoon of dish soap per quart of mix then spray the entire plant making sure you cover the fronts and backs of all the leaves. You have to repeat the spraying every 3 days until you have seen no more sign of insects for 2 weeks. After that watch it closely for signs of a return. They lay eggs that can sometimes lay dormant for quite awhile bute that should be adequate for treating them. If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck.

Darlene