Why Are My Schefflera Leaves Curling? (10 Solutions)

Schefflera, commonly known as umbrella plants, are popular houseplants because they are easy to care for and offer beautiful, lush foliage.

They can brighten up any room and are a great way to add some greenery to your home.

However, sometimes Schefflera leaves will start to curl, which can be alarming for plant owners.

There are a few different reasons why Schefflera leaves might curl, but luckily, there are several solutions.

Here you will learn about the 10 most common causes of Schefflera leaves curling and how to fix them.

Why Are My Schefflera Leaves Curling and How Can You Fix It?

There are a few reasons your Schefflera might have leaves that are curling.

The most common causes are:

1. Underwatering

One of the most common reasons for Schefflera leaves to curl is underwatering.

Schefflera plants are native to tropical rainforests, so they need lots of moisture to thrive.

If you don’t water your Schefflera enough, the leaves will start to droop and then eventually curl.

Underwatering happens when you don’t give your Schefflera plant enough water.

This can be due to forgetting to water it, or the pot doesn’t have proper drainage, so the water can’t reach the roots.

How To Tell If Your Schefflera Is Underwatered

There are a few signs that will tell you if your Schefflera is being underwatered, including:

• The leaves are drooping
• The leaves are wilting
• The leaves are turning brown
• The leaves are curling

If you see any of these signs, it’s time to give your Schefflera a good watering.

How To Fix An Underwatered Schefflera

If you think your Schefflera is being underwatered, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.

• Water your Schefflera plant deeply, making sure the water reaches the roots
• If the pot doesn’t have proper drainage, repot your Schefflera in a pot with drainage holes
• Make sure you are watering your Schefflera regularly and not letting the soil dry out completely between waterings
• Water your Schefflera with lukewarm water to help the roots absorb the moisture

2. Overwatering

While underwatering is a common cause of Schefflera leaves curling, overwatering can also be to blame.

Schefflera plants are sensitive to too much water and will start to experience problems if they are overwatered.

Overwatering happens when you give your Schefflera too much water or if the pot doesn’t have proper drainage, so the water can’t drain out properly.

This can lead to the roots being waterlogged, which will cause the leaves to curl.

How To Tell If Your Schefflera Is Overwatered

There are a few signs that will tell you if your Schefflera plant is being overwatered, including:

• The leaves are wilting
• The leaves are yellow
• The leaves are curling
• Mushy or soft leaves
• Mold or mildew on the soil
• Rotten roots

If you see any of these signs, it’s time to cut back on watering your Schefflera.

How To Fix An Overwatered Schefflera

If you think your Schefflera is being overwatered, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.

• Stop watering your Schefflera for a while and let the soil dry out completely
• Repot your Schefflera in a pot with drainage holes to help the water drain out properly
• Make sure you are only watering your Schefflera when the top inch of soil is dry
• Use a well-draining potting mix to help the water drain out properly

3. Temperature Stress

Scheffleras are tropical plants that thrive in warm, humid environments.

If the temperature drops too low or the air is too dry, the leaves can start to curl.

Temperature stress can also happen if there is a sudden change in temperature, such as drafts from doors or windows.

How To Tell If Your Schefflera Is Experiencing Temperature Stress

There are a few signs that will tell you if your Schefflera is experiencing temperature stress, including:

• The leaves are wilting
• The leaves are curling
• The leaves are yellow or brown

If you see any of these signs, it’s time to move your Schefflera to a warmer, more humid location.

How To Fix Schefflera Temperature Stress

If you think your Schefflera is experiencing temperature stress, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.

• Move your Schefflera to a warmer location away from drafts or sudden temperature changes.
• Increase the humidity around your Schefflera by setting the plant on a pebble tray, using a humidifier, or misting the leaves regularly.
• Ensure you are not placing your Schefflera in direct sunlight, which can cause the leaves to scorch.

4. Nutrient Deficiency

Scheffleras can also experience curled leaves if they do not get the necessary nutrients.

This is most commonly due to a lack of nitrogen, but it can also be caused by a lack of other nutrients like phosphorus and potassium.

A nutrient deficiency will cause the leaves to turn yellow or brown, eventually curling the leaves.

How To Tell If Your Schefflera Has A Nutrient Deficiency

There are a few signs that will tell you if your Schefflera has a nutrient deficiency, including:

• The leaves are discolored
• The leaves are small or stunted
• The leaves are curling
• The plant is not growing as quickly as it should

If you see any of these signs, it’s time to give your Schefflera some extra nutrients.

How To Fix A Schefflera Nutrient Deficiency

If you think your Schefflera has a nutrient deficiency, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.

• Feed your Schefflera a high-quality fertilizer that contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium
• Fertilize your Schefflera every two weeks during the growing season and once a month during the winter
• Add compost or organic matter to the soil to help improve the nutrient content

5. Pest Infestation

Pests can also be to blame for Schefflera leaves curling.

Common pests that attack Scheffleras include aphids, mealybugs, spider mites, and scale insects.

These pests can cause the leaves to turn yellow and eventually lead to curling leaves.

How To Tell If Your Schefflera Has A Pest Infestation

There are a few signs that will tell you if your Schefflera has a pest infestation, including:

• Discolored or yellowing leaves
• Curling leaves
• Stunted growth
• Holes in the leaves
• Webbing on the leaves or stems

If you see any of these signs, it’s time to take action.

How To Fix A Schefflera Pest Infestation

If you think your Schefflera has a pest infestation, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.

• Start by removing any pests you see from the plant with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol.
• If the infestation is severe, you may need to treat your Schefflera with an insecticide.
• You can also use natural pest control methods, such as neem oil or insecticidal soap.

6. Too Much Sunlight

Scheffleras can also experience leaf curl if they are getting too much sunlight.

They need bright indirect light to thrive, but too much direct sunlight can cause the leaves to scorch or turn brown.

This will eventually lead to the leaves curling.

How To Tell If Your Schefflera Is Getting Too Much Sunlight

There are a few signs that will tell you if your Schefflera is getting too much sunlight, including:

• The leaves are discolored
• The leaves have brown patches
• The leaves are wilting
• The leaves are curling

If you see any of these signs, it’s time to move your Schefflera to a shadier spot.

How To Fix Schefflera Sunlight Stress

If you think your Schefflera is getting too much sunlight, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.

• Move your Schefflera to a shadier spot
• Provide some protection from the sun by placing a sheer curtain over the plant
• Make sure you are not placing your Schefflera in direct sunlight
• Place your Schefflera in a spot where it will get indirect sunlight

7. Compacted Soil

When the soil around your Schefflera is compacted, it can cause the roots to suffocate and the leaves to curl.

This usually happens when the plant is not getting enough water, and the soil around the roots has dried out and become hard.

How To Tell If Your Schefflera Has Compacted Soil

There are a few signs that will tell you if your Schefflera has compacted soil, including:

• The leaves are wilting or drooping
• The leaves are yellowing
• The plant is not growing as quickly as it should be
• The roots are coming out of the drainage holes in the pot

If you see any of these signs, it’s time to take action.

How To Fix Schefflera Compacted Soil

If you think your Schefflera has compacted soil, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.

• Repot your Schefflera into a pot that is one size larger
• Loosen up the compacted soil around the roots with a fork or trowel
• Add compost or organic matter to the soil to help improve drainage
• Water your Schefflera regularly to keep the soil from drying out

8. Too Much Fertilizer

Schefflera plants can also experience leaf curl if they get too much fertilizer.

When Scheffleras are overfertilized, the leaves will turn yellow or brown and eventually curl.

This usually happens when the fertilizer is not diluted correctly or if it is applied too often.

How To Tell If Your Schefflera Is Getting Too Much Fertilizer

There are a few signs that will tell you if your Schefflera is getting too much fertilizer, including:

• The leaves will turn yellow or brown
• The leaves will curl
• The plant will stop growing
• The roots will start to rot

If you see any of these signs, it’s time to take action.

How To Fix Schefflera Fertilizer Overdose

If you think your Schefflera has been overfertilized, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.

• Flush the soil with water to remove any excess fertilizer
• Do not fertilize your Schefflera for a few months
• Choose a fertilizer that is diluted and use it as directed

9. Transplant Shock

Transplant shock is another common reason for Schefflera leaves to curl.

This usually happens when the plant is moved from one pot to another or when it is repotted.

The plant’s roots are disturbed during the process, and they can no longer take in enough water or nutrients, which causes the leaves to curl.

How To Tell If Your Schefflera Is Experiencing Transplant Shock

There are a few signs that will tell you if your Schefflera is experiencing transplant shock, including:

• The leaves will turn yellow
• The leaves will curl
• The plant will stop growing

If you see any of these signs, it’s time to take action.

How To Fix Schefflera Transplant Shock

If you think your Schefflera is experiencing transplant shock, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.

• Don’t water your Schefflera for a few days after transplanting
• After a few days, water your Schefflera regularly to keep the soil moist
• Do not fertilize your Schefflera for several weeks
• Provide your Schefflera with bright indirect light

10. Root Rot

Root rot is another common reason for Schefflera leaves to curl.

This usually happens when the plant is overwatered and the roots start to rot.

Several fungi, including Pythium and Phytophthora can cause root rot.

How To Tell If Your Schefflera Has Root Rot

There are a few signs that will tell you if your Schefflera has root rot, including:

• The leaves will turn yellow or brown
• The leaves will curl
• The plant will stop growing
• The roots will be black and mushy

If you see any of these signs, it’s time to take action.

How To Fix Schefflera Root Rot

If you think your Schefflera has root rot, there are a few things you can do to fix the problem.

• Remove the plant from the pot and inspect the roots
• Cut away any roots that are black or mushy
• Repot your Schefflera in fresh, well-draining soil
• Water your Schefflera regularly to keep the soil moist but not soggy

Final Thoughts

Schefflera plants are generally tough, low-maintenance plants.

However, their leaves may curl under certain environmental or stress conditions.

If you notice your Schefflera’s leaves curling, check for common causes like too much sun or insufficient watering.

You can get your Schefflera back to looking its best with some care.