A tall exotic plant with unusual and spectacular leaves, called Scheflera, is able to decorate any interior, so it can be found not only in apartments, but also in offices. With proper care, the foliage looks healthy and shiny, but when the plant sheds it and exposes the trunk, it is worth revising the conditions for keeping Sheflera.
Improper watering
The flower does not like watering in excess, but a lack of moisture can adversely affect its appearance. Often the plant loses its leaves when it is forgotten to water, which causes the soil in the pot to dry out. Moderation in watering should be observed, the land should be moist, but not soggy. To understand whether watering is needed or not, you can touch the ground with your finger. If there is a trace left on it, then there is no need to water, since the soil is sufficiently moistened.
Water for irrigation should be at room temperature. In the summer, you need to water the flower 2-3 times a week, and in the winter, watering is reduced to 1 time in 7-10 days.
Therefore, if the leaves begin to fall off, you should check the moisture content of the soil in the pot and water it in such a way that the soil does not remain dry and does not turn into mud.
Low or too high temperature
Sheflera feels good at normal room temperature, that is, 20-22 ° C. When it gets too hot or cold in the room, the plant may begin to lose its leaves. Draft is detrimental to Sheflera, therefore, when placing a flower pot, this circumstance must be taken into account. But night and day fluctuations in temperature will not harm her, if they are not too large.
So, the second reason why leaf loss can occur is inappropriate air temperature. You can solve the problem by placing a thermometer in the room, which will allow you to control the situation.
Unsuitable humidity
The plant grows best where the humidity is high. Dry air can be harmful. Of course, it is not always possible to achieve such conditions, given the fact that all rooms are heated by central heating batteries.
Therefore, even if leaves fall off with sufficient watering and moderate temperatures, you should pay attention to the air humidity. This is difficult to figure out, but it is likely that the humidity is low in winter when the batteries are on.
What measures should be taken so that the air in the room is not so dry. First, move the flower pot as far away from the battery as possible. Secondly, the leaves must be sprayed daily with water at room temperature from a spray bottle. And thirdly, if the budget allows, you can purchase a humidifier that does an excellent job.
Pests
Pests will never settle on healthy flowers. Therefore, if the plant is properly cared for, they are not afraid of him. Sheflera can suffer from scabies and spider mites. If the process of infestation by pests is started, then leaf fall is inevitable.
The scabbard lives on the back of the leaves, so it is not so easy to spot it. It also affects the trunk and stems. Outwardly, it resembles fish scales, having a grayish brown color. How to deal with it. No drugs will help here, since the pest has a protective film. Therefore, actions should be aimed at removing the scabbards mechanically.To do this, the plant must be treated with soapy water, to which alcohol diluted in water was previously added in a 2: 1 ratio. After that, manually remove all pests, and the next day it is good to rinse the leaves from the solution.
The spider mite quite often settles on all indoor plants, and it infects them most often in dry air. You can fight it using special drugs such as Fitoverm and others. Processing should be carried out clearly according to the instructions.
Incorrect lighting
All flowers love sunlight, with the rare exception of shade-loving specimens such as Dracaena, Cissus, ferns and others. Sheflera is just that plant that loves light. The place for the pot should be sunny, especially for variegated forms, but without direct hit of scorching rays. Places near western or eastern windows are best suited. In the summer, the best thing for Sheflera is partial shade.
Therefore, as soon as it becomes noticeable that the flower has lost its healthy appearance, and the leaves have become dull or even began to crumble, you need to check if the pot is there. The plant will certainly suffer if it is located in the wrong place.
Too intensive feeding
Organic and mineral fertilizers are also necessary for plants, as vitamins for humans. Having received them, the flowers are guaranteed to be provided with good immunity, resistance to diseases and pests, and, as a result, have an excellent appearance. The main thing is to observe the measure in feeding and remember that it is better for the plant to receive less of them than the excess will lead to stress, illness and possible death.
If Sheflera suddenly takes on an unhealthy appearance or begins to lose leaves, you need to check whether she receives the correct amount of vitamins and minerals with top dressing. The instructions for the preparations containing the full range of all substances necessary for the normal growth and development of the plant are given clear and detailed recommendations for breeding, frequency and amount of watering. The main rule is to underfeed.
Let's sum up and recall that Shefler loves:
- moderate watering;
- room temperature;
- increased air humidity;
- lack of drafts;
- good lighting without direct sunlight;
- fertilizing with fertilizers, carried out competently.
So, any plant care must be competent. If you strictly follow the advice given in this article, this exotic flower will decorate the interior of the room for many years.
