Dropping leaves - Ask Extension
Hello--wondering if my plant that seemed so happy needs a bigger pot? In the last 2 weeks, it has started dropping its bottom leaves...top seems healt...
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Dropping leaves #922454
Asked November 26, 2025, 6:10 PM EST
Hello--wondering if my plant that seemed so happy needs a bigger pot? In the last 2 weeks, it has started dropping its bottom leaves...top seems healthy with new growth
Multnomah County Oregon
Expert Response
You have a Schefflera, and I found this basic care article from Extension Service at Clemson University. The article includes links for more information.
I grow numerous houseplants, and a frustrating truth is that plants drop leaves due to just about every reason, like too much water, too little, too much light, not enough light, … you get the idea. So here’s some things to consider.
1. Look very closely for insect pests. Look online for photos of whiteflies, scale, aphids and anything on an image search “Schefflera pests”.
2. What has changed — if the furnace is now running, is there a new draft on the plant? Does the winter sun angle mean the plant needs a different window location for a few months?
3. How does the plant drain? If it isn’t in a plastic pot liner (I can’t see one in the photo), then get one that fits within your decorative pot. This allows air to the roots, also you will see the water that drains through and dispose of it. Your plant is likely sitting in water at the base if there aren’t drainage holes. Gravel or sand at the bottom as a drain layer doesn’t work well (more here).
4. Lower leaf loss might be normal for this plant, as it tends to form a trunk. If you can’t find anything wrong, then just wait and see. Do a web image search “Schefflera houseplant growth habit” to see how they often look when larger. Pruning the tip will encourage side shoots.
Best wishes to you with this plant for years to come.
I grow numerous houseplants, and a frustrating truth is that plants drop leaves due to just about every reason, like too much water, too little, too much light, not enough light, … you get the idea. So here’s some things to consider.
1. Look very closely for insect pests. Look online for photos of whiteflies, scale, aphids and anything on an image search “Schefflera pests”.
2. What has changed — if the furnace is now running, is there a new draft on the plant? Does the winter sun angle mean the plant needs a different window location for a few months?
3. How does the plant drain? If it isn’t in a plastic pot liner (I can’t see one in the photo), then get one that fits within your decorative pot. This allows air to the roots, also you will see the water that drains through and dispose of it. Your plant is likely sitting in water at the base if there aren’t drainage holes. Gravel or sand at the bottom as a drain layer doesn’t work well (more here).
4. Lower leaf loss might be normal for this plant, as it tends to form a trunk. If you can’t find anything wrong, then just wait and see. Do a web image search “Schefflera houseplant growth habit” to see how they often look when larger. Pruning the tip will encourage side shoots.
Best wishes to you with this plant for years to come.
