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Schefflera condition #924430

Asked February 10, 2026, 3:30 PM EST

Hello - we brought this plant home in December. Repotted in a potting soil mix and a clay pot. It is indoors in an east facing room. It drops leaves and seems unhappy and now has brown tips and spots in places. What can I do to improve its condition?

Washtenaw County Michigan

Expert Response

Hi

Brown tips, spots, and leaf drop are common on schefflera and other houseplants. You can trim the leaves to improve appearance, but the issue will return unless the cause is fixed. Please see below for some suggestions.

Plants that have had a change in environment may be stressed and can have leaf problems.

Tip burn can be caused by fertilizer or something in your water. Please see this article Why is my indoor plant unhappy? - Gardening in Michigan

Low light can cause spindly growth and yellowing of leaves.

Water consistently. Overwatering can cause leaf drop.

Here is an article on shefflera care that you might find helpful. Schefflera | Home & Garden Information Center

An Ask Extension Expert Replied February 11, 2026, 5:33 PM EST

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