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You are here: Experts > Style > Interior Decorating > House Plants > Schefelera tree
Expert: Darlene K. Kittle
Date: 5/9/2008
Subject: Schefelera tree
Question
This tree, about 6 feet tall, is losing its leaves on a daily basis. I'm wondering if its root bound because I do see the roots above the soil. Nothing on the back of the leaves to suggest any type of "insects" and it is kept indoors. Any suggestions?
Answer
Ilima,
Being rootbound generally does not cause a plant to loose leaves and this plant typically has roots above the soil because the roots are trying to breath in carbon dioxide. That is one of the reasons this plant is good at cleaning chemicals out of the air it breathes in carbon dioxide and cleans toxic chemicals out of the air then breathes out pure oxygen thru the pores in the leaves.
Three things that cause loss of leaves are (1) not enough light, this plant loves and needs sun, not just bright light, in the summer it can go outside on a deck, porch or patio in full sun and it will not sunburn.
The second cause is too much water, it needs to dry out totally before being watered again, it cannot be constantly wet or the roots will rot. When you water it you should empty the drain tray an hour later so it is NEVER sitting in a tray full of water. Then do not water it again until you can insert a bamboo skewer into the soil and have it come out dry all the way to the bottom.
The third cause for dropping leaves is too little water. When it is dry and feels light weight it needs watered fully immediately so that all the soil in the pot is fully moist. If it has been dry for long you can allow water in the drain tray overnight because it will suck up a lot of water very quickly. It should not be allowed to sit totally dry for days frequently. It should just be allowed to dry out then watered again immediately so the soil gets cycles of moist and dry as trees get in nature.
If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck.
Darlene
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