Indoor Schefflera Diseases

Bacterial Blight

• Bacterial blight is a foliage disease that also can infect the schefflera's stems. Once infected, the indoor schefflera develops small, necrotic foliage spots that are encircled in yellow halo. The spots appear along the margins of the foliage and move inward as the disease progresses. The infected foliage becomes curled and distorted, and the stems are blackened. The indoor schefflera generally catches this disease from other plants, usually newly introduced, within the household.

Leaf Spot

• The schefflera is susceptible to alternaria and bacterial leaf spot infections. While each disease causes spots on the schefflera's foliage, the spots are clearly different in appearance. Alternaria leaf spot infections cause the foliage to develop large, dark-colored spots that are encased in yellow halos, while bacterial leaf spot infections cause the foliage to develop small, light-colored spots that turn brown with age. Both leaf spot diseases are promoted by high humidity levels and standing water. The presence of these infectious spores can be reduced by keeping the foliage dry.

Powdery Mildew

• Powdery mildew is a fungal disease that is most active in warm, dry conditions that are common to indoor environments. This foliage disease infects the surfaces of the schefflera foliage, leaving behind thin layers of powdery, white fungi. In more severe infections, the foliage becomes discolored with yellow and green patches, and the stems are covered with mildew. The spores of this fungal disease lie dormant in the defoliated debris that lies around the schefflera. Reduce the presence of these spores by keeping the schefflera's container free of debris.

Considerations

• There are many variations of the schefflera, each with its own disease susceptibilities. The best way to keep the schefflera healthy is to provide it with regular, individualized care. Irrigate the schefflera deeply and infrequently to maintain a slightly dry soil environment. Always irrigate the schefflera at soil level to keep the foliage dry, and never allow old, defoliated foliage to accumulate in the container. Keep the schefflera in a warm, sunny location that is void of drafts and extreme temperature variations, such as heating vents, air conditioners and patio doors. Thin the schefflera's densely-foliated interior branches periodically to increase the light and air flow, which will also reduce the presence of infectious fungal and bacterial spores.