My Schefflera Has Brown Spots

Bacterial Leaf Spot

• Bacterial leaf spot is a spore-borne disease that infects the schefflera through wounds, such as those caused by pruning and insects. The infected schefflera develops small brown spots, which enlarge into spots of decay. The infected foliage experiences wilt and the overall tree can become blighted and stunted. Bacterial leaf spot infections favor humid, poorly ventilated areas and are most aggressive on weak schefflera plants lacking nutrients and proper irrigation.

Alternaria Leaf Spot

• A fungal disease, alternaria leaf spot infections are most aggressive and damaging on the schefflera’s young foliage. The infectious fungal spores develop on defoliated debris and dead material that surrounds the plant. The spores are transported onto the schefflera’s foliage by wind and water. They cause brown leaf spots that initially appear as tiny, pin-sized marks. The spots coalesce into larger spots that decay and wilt the leaves. The brown spots on the dwarf schefflera are often encased with yellow halos.

Infestation

• The schefflera is often targeted by feeding insects, including mealybugs, spider mites and scales when grown outdoors. Various insect bites and nibbles cause the damaged foliage to develop dark-colored spots. Excessive feeding wilts the foliage and heavy defoliation may occur during severe infestations.

Considerations

• Preventative steps keep your schefflera plant disease and infestation free. Always keep the schefflera plant’s growing area free of debris, fallen leaves and weeds. Keeping your schefflera properly irrigated and fertilized promotes vigorous growth. Treating schefflera regularly with insecticides and fungicides prevent disease and infestation. Trimming infected foliage from the schefflera plant prevents potential infections from spreading throughout the plant.