The long stalks gracefully protrude from the trunk and provide support for the umbrella-like to palmate leaves. But the image of a radiate ara does not always look flawlessly beautiful. It can also be afflicted by diseases.

Schefflera often suffers from root rot

Hardly susceptible to diseases

Radiation Aralia are not usually susceptible to disease, but are extremely hardy. This houseplant is more likely to be attacked by pests. This is mainly due to the room air being too warm and dry, which makes things difficult for this former tropical plant.

How does root rot manifest itself on the Schefflera?

Only one disease can appear. It's called root rot. It is a fungus that has taken root on the plant or at its root area. The roots rot and later the rot spreads to other parts of the plant. The fungus is favored by moisture and can lead to the schefflera dying.

You can recognize this disease in your Schefflera by these aspects:

  • foul odor emanates from the earth
  • Leaves turn yellowish
  • leaf shedding
  • wet earth
  • Stem base is colored black
  • black roots
  • black shoots
  • poor growth

Act quickly - repot

You can still help your schefflera in the early stages. However, this requires good observation skills. Otherwise the chances of survival are almost zero. If the root rot has progressed too far, you should dispose of your schefflera.

How to save the plant from an initial root rot:

  • take out of the pot
  • crumble off wet, foul-smelling soil
  • cut off black roots if necessary
  • Prepare a pot with fresh soil
  • repot

Adjust care - optimize watering

To avoid root rot, you should only water the schefflera when the top layer of soil has dried. Basically, the following applies to this houseplant: It is better to water less than too much. Temporary drought is tolerated better than waterlogging. Also make sure that excess water can drain away unhindered. That means: create drainage and ensure drainage holes in the pot.

tips

As a rule, it is sufficient to water the Schefflera once (winter) or twice (summer) a week to protect it from wet and severe drought.

Category:

Indoor plants