Szeflera (Schefflera) is a popular indoor plant with distinctive shiny, finger-shaped leaves arranged in the shape of umbrellas. Although it is a plant resistant to unfavorable conditions, it happens that in an unnatural waySzeflera begins to massively lose leavesWithin a few days only a bare trunk can remain from a beautiful tree.Why is bosslera losing leavesat such a pace? Here are the most common causes of headlery leaf fall, and effective ways to prevent it!
Why is bosslera losing leaves?
1. Headlera loses leaves as a result of over-watering
The most commonreason for the headloweris dropping leaves too much moisture in the substrate. Long-lasting moisture in the ground causes suffocation and later heating of the roots. The roots that are in this state are unable to absorb water and minerals, leading first to wilting, then yellowing and falling leaves - often entire umbrellas. To save a dying plant, slightly dry the substrate and remove dead twigs. If the plant is not too large, you can replant it to a fresh substrate. We limit watering the plant to once a week. There should be holes at the bottom of the pot to allow excess water to drain away.
2. Headlera loses leaves due to drafts and low temperature
Another common cause of headlery leaf fall is exposure to drafts and low temperatures.Drafts are especially dangerous.Szefler responds to them by dropping leaves immediatelyPots with chefs should not be placed in front of frequently opened windows, especially in cold weather, and in corridors where doors are often opened.
Szeflera cope well in rooms with temperatures reaching 12 ° C. Short-term drops in temperature below 12-10 ° C are not dangerous for this plant. However, the temperature below 12 ° C for a long timeleads to the fall of the headlery leaves , and in combination with a moist substrate, it can cause the development of diseases of the roots and the base of the shoot.
3. Headlera loses leaves due to dry air
Anotherthe reason for a chefler to lose leaves is because the air is dryThis happens most often when the chef's pot is placed in close proximity to the radiator in winter. Move the pot away from the radiator and place a bowl filled with water next to the pot, which will moisturize the air by evaporating.The leaves can also be sprayed with water once a day.
4. Bosslera loses leaves because the pot is too tight
Ifloses leavesdespite proper chef care, it may mean that it needs to be transplanted into a larger pot. Check that the roots do not pass through the holes in the bottom of the pot or that they are not breaking through the top of the substrate. If this is the case, it is asignal to replant the headleryYoung plants are transplanted every spring in the spring. When they reach a large size, then we do not replant them, but only add fresh soil to the pot.
5. Headlera loses leaves as a result of illness
A bacterial infection may be a reason for the loss of leaves by the chefs.The most common chef disease is bacterial brown leaf spot (Pseudomonas cichorii). It manifests as small, brown spots on the leaves that grow rapidly in size.In conditions of increased air humidity, the leaves begin to fall 3 days after infection. Fluid leaks containing bacteria can also be observed on the shoots. When we notice the first symptoms of the diseaseremove all diseased leaves and destroy themThe plant should be sprayed with Biosept Active.
MSc Eng. Agnieszka Lach
