Identification: Can't ID this plant and leaves are turning black and falling off

Hi.

Thank you for any help you can give me. I bought this plant at Home Depot and it was in perfect shape. It is now in my apartment near a window getting indirect sunlight but it's near the window all day long. I don't give it a lot of water because I thought perhaps that was the problem.

Now the leaves are turning black and both leaves and branches are falling off. IT was about $100, so I'm trying to take good care of it, but have no clue. When we got it, we had repotted it with some new, fresh soil.

Any ideas? Thank you so much!

 

Your schefflera looks dry to me. How much sun does it get? Might be too much. If this were my plant, I'd repot it larger and water it thoroughly. Let it dry out between waterings, but don't let it go too long without water.

 

Oh, thanks so much. I will put it in a larger holder and I just gave it's lots of water. I thought the black leaves meant that it was "rotting" from too much water.

I hope this helps and thanks for id-ing it for me as well!

Katie

 

Also a good idea (for any plant) to periodically take a good close look at soil, leaves, stems, etc. to detect the presence of any insect freeloaders or fungus/mildew. Easier to remedy a problem when it's a small one...even better to prevent it!
Looking at your crispy brown leaf tips, I think dry is the problem. Leaf and branch drop can be caused by this stress. Overwatering would make the plant yellow (then black...) and squishy. What's the humidity level in your place? Any cold drafts or hot air blowing on the schefflera?---It's true: a keen eye for detail is essential in keeping plants happy.
Good botanical luck to you!

 

Looking more closely, I'm now noticing little, flat oval shapes things on the leaves and on the stems...is this some kind of parasite? If so, how can I get rid of them!

I give all of you a lot of credit for your knowledge...there's a lot to know!

Thank you!

 

Sounds like some type of mites or scale. Rubbing alcohol and a Q-tip are the best treatment for scale, and insecticidal soap for mites. If you can post a picture of the affected bits, it will be easier to ID the problem. At any rate, hitting the bumps with the alcohol-q-tip won't hurt the plant.

 

I second Lorax's opinion. Probably scale.