What's eating my schefflera?

Schefflera (umbrella plant) is most frequently attacked by spider mites indoors, especially in low humidity. Mealybugs, scale, and aphids are also common. Infestations often start in the dense leaf canopy where they go unnoticed. Shower the plant regularly and inspect branch junctions to catch problems early.

Yellowing leaves with fine stippling; webbing between leaflets and stems in dry, warm conditions Raise humidity; spray thoroughly with insecticidal soap or diluted neem oil, coating undersides; repeat weekly for a month

Cottony white tufts at stem joints and where leaflets attach; sticky honeydew and reduced plant vigour Apply isopropyl alcohol with a cotton swab directly to bugs; follow with neem oil spray across the whole plant

Clusters of soft green or black insects on new growth; distorted young leaves and sticky residue Knock off with a strong water spray; apply insecticidal soap spray; natural predators such as lacewings work well outdoors