Plant damage - Ask Extension
This is a money tree plant. There is new growth but some leaves are damaged. How should i treat this?
Knowledgebase
Plant damage #878197
Asked July 22, 2024, 8:10 AM EDT
This is a money tree plant. There is new growth but some leaves are damaged. How should i treat this?
Muskegon County Michigan
Expert Response
I cannot identify this plant because the photo shows too little of the plant. Please take a photo of the entire plant and send it.
"Money Plant" is a common name that is applied to many different plants; this one is unfamiliar to me. A full photo may help identify it more specifically.
That said, my first thought looking at your photos is that the plant has some sun damage (sun scorch). The brown paperery look is typical of a leave that was hurt my strong sun coming through a window and focused on a leaf. This damage will not hurt the plant or the undamaged part of the leaf. If you wish, just remove the damaged leaves and perhaps reposition the plant so it gets less direct sun.
"Money Plant" is a common name that is applied to many different plants; this one is unfamiliar to me. A full photo may help identify it more specifically.
That said, my first thought looking at your photos is that the plant has some sun damage (sun scorch). The brown paperery look is typical of a leave that was hurt my strong sun coming through a window and focused on a leaf. This damage will not hurt the plant or the undamaged part of the leaf. If you wish, just remove the damaged leaves and perhaps reposition the plant so it gets less direct sun.
Heres the whole plant.
Karla
Karla
On Jul 26, 2024, at 12:01 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:
Thank you for providing the additional photograph. This plant is a Schefflera, a common tropical plant used as a decorative houseplant. The common name you may hear is Umbrella plant.
The torn leave pieces look like a mechanical tear or damage. Could they have been damaged by a pet or small child? The yellow leaf can be the result of overwatering. The drooping leaves can also signify overwatering.
Check the moisture level of the soil before watering by inserting your finger about one inch into the soil. It should be dry before water again.
Here are the main care requirements for growing Schefflera (Umbrella Plant):
The information in the link will give you additional information on how to care for your Schefflera.
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/schefflera-2/
On another note, all parts of the schefflera plant are mildly toxic to humans and seriously toxic to dogs and cats.
The torn leave pieces look like a mechanical tear or damage. Could they have been damaged by a pet or small child? The yellow leaf can be the result of overwatering. The drooping leaves can also signify overwatering.
Check the moisture level of the soil before watering by inserting your finger about one inch into the soil. It should be dry before water again.
Here are the main care requirements for growing Schefflera (Umbrella Plant):
- Needs indirect, bright light. Never place a schefflera in direct, full sunlight because the intense sun can burn the leaves.
- Requires warm temperatures above 60°F at all times.
- Thrives in a rich, well-draining, acidic potting soil.
- Feed twice weekly during the growing season. These plants are heavy feeders.
- Give water only when the soil dries out to prevent overwatering.
- Tolerates average indoor humidity at 30% but prefers higher humidity, preferably 40%.
The information in the link will give you additional information on how to care for your Schefflera.
https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/schefflera-2/
On another note, all parts of the schefflera plant are mildly toxic to humans and seriously toxic to dogs and cats.
