Schefflera Losing Leaves: Draft vs. Light Priority

A large schefflera dropping leaves near a drafty window faces a dilemma: move away from draft but lose light, or stay and risk cold damage.

Priority: Eliminate Drafts

Cold drafts cause rapid leaf drop and stress. Move the plant out of the draft path first.

Supplement Light Artificially

• Use true incandescent plant bulbs (tinted glass, not just blue-coated).
• Recommended: Agrosun Dayspot grow bulbs (Hydrofarm).
• Setup: 3-bulb floor lamp aimed at the plant.
• Run 12–14 hours daily on a timer.

Why This Works

Real plant lights provide the red/blue spectrum for photosynthesis. Blue-coated "plant lights" only improve appearance, not growth. Artificial light solves the low-light issue without exposing the plant to damaging drafts.