Reviving a Struggling Schefflera: Causes and Solutions

Assessing the Situation

Your Schefflera has a history of neglect in an office setting. Plants can endure poor care for a long time before showing sudden decline—a "tipping point" where root systems fail and leaves drop rapidly. The recent repotting, while well-intentioned, likely added stress because Scheffleras have sensitive roots that resent disturbance.

Key Questions for Diagnosis

• Pot size: What was the pot diameter before and after repotting? Scheffleras over 6 feet tall rarely need pots larger than 14 inches.
• Root condition: When you changed the soil, were the roots firm and whitish (healthy), dry and stringy (underwatered), or soft and mushy (rotted)?
• Watering routine: How do you decide when to water? "Not overwatering" is subjective; the soil should dry to about one-third depth between thorough waterings.
• Light exposure: A west window with partially open blinds provides moderate light. Is the plant within a few feet of the window?

Immediate Steps

1. If the new pot is significantly larger, consider moving the plant back to its original container or a pot only 1–2 inches wider.
2. Water only when the top third of the soil feels dry. Probe with your finger or a wooden dowel.
3. Provide the brightest indirect light possible—direct morning sun is beneficial.
4. Do not fertilize until new growth appears and the plant stabilizes.

If you can share a photo and the details above, I can give more precise advice. Recovery is possible if root damage isn't severe.