Plant damage

Question: This is a money tree plant. There is new growth but some leaves are damaged. How should i treat this?

responder: Thank you for your question! Mary Ann S. Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources.    Replied July 26, 2024, 12:01 PM EDT
response: I cannot identify this plant because the photo shows too little of the plant.  Please take a photo of the entire plant and send it.  "Money Plant" is a common name that is applied to many different plants; this one is unfamiliar to me.  A full photo may help identify it more specifically.   That said, my first thought looking at your photos is that the plant has some sun damage (sun scorch).  The brown paperery look is typical of a leave that was hurt my strong sun coming through a window and focused on a leaf.  This damage will not hurt the plant or the undamaged part of the leaf.  If you wish, just remove the damaged leaves and perhaps reposition the plant so it gets less direct sun.

responder: The Question Asker Replied July 30, 2024, 12:26 PM EDT
response: Heres the whole plant.Karla    On Jul 26, 2024, at 12:01 PM, Ask Extension <<personal data hidden>> wrote:   ﻿

responder: Thank you for your question! Mary Ann S. Michigan State University Extension Advanced Master Gardener Volunteer You may also contact the toll free MSU Extension lawn and garden hotline at 1-888-678-3464 with your gardening questions or visit www.migarden.msu.edu for Smart Gardening resources.    Replied August 01, 2024, 12:10 PM EDT
response: Thank you for providing the additional photograph.  This plant is a Schefflera, a common tropical plant used as a decorative houseplant.  The common name you may hear is Umbrella plant. The torn leave pieces look like a mechanical tear or damage.  Could they have been damaged by a pet or small child?  The yellow leaf can be the result of overwatering. The drooping leaves can also signify overwatering.     Check the moisture level of the soil before watering by inserting your finger about one inch into the soil.  It should be dry before water again.  Here are the main care requirements for growing Schefflera (Umbrella Plant):  Needs indirect, bright light. Never place a schefflera in direct, full sunlight because the intense sun can burn the leaves.  Requires warm temperatures above 60°F at all times. Thrives in a rich, well-draining, acidic potting soil. Feed twice weekly during the growing season. These plants are heavy feeders. Give water only when the soil dries out to prevent overwatering. Tolerates average indoor humidity at 30% but prefers higher humidity, preferably 40%.  A schefflera losing its leaves is a stress sign. When a sudden shift to its environment occurs, whether sun exposure, temperature, drafts, or watering changes, the plant will show its distress by dropping leaves. Check that the soil is sufficiently moist but not soggy. Ensure the plant has indirect light and temperatures remain consistently above 60°F. (Its preferred temperature range is between 65°F and 90°F.)  The information in the link will give you additional information on how to care for your Schefflera.   https://hgic.clemson.edu/factsheet/schefflera-2/  On another note, all parts of the schefflera plant are mildly toxic to humans and seriously toxic to dogs and cats.