Leggy Umbrella Plant (Schefflera) Needs Light, Not a 60-Watt Bulb

Fixing a Stretched, Curving Schefflera

Keith's 4-year-old umbrella plant (Schefflera) leans 5" out of pot, curves 12"+, under a 60-watt light.

Verdict

60 watts is grossly insufficient. Plant is etiolation—stretching for light, essentially "lying on its deathbed."

Fix

1. Move to sunny window (south best, east/west OK).
2. Rotate weekly when watering.
3. Pinch growing tip to force bushiness.

Surprised it survived 4 years. More light + pinching = compact, healthy plant.