Shefflera Tree (Houseplant)

[Holly]

I have a varigated shefflera tree which seems to be growing but dying at the same time. I'm not the best gardener, but I can grow some plants. The question I really have is the leaves have all fallen off several branches, but at the top of these branches it appears to be seeding. Large pods have come out and are opening now. I've never seen this before. Are these seeds I can grow or flowers? I'm in the dark HELP!

Thanks :roll:

[GroundsKeeper]

It does sound like the plant is stressed, is it in the right conditions and well fed :?:

[Holly]

Yes it is distressed, I bought it about 4 months ago which it was outside all summer and I brought it inside so I figured part of it was due to the change of climates for it, but I still don't understand the seeds. I've had schefflera's before and have never seen these.

Thanks.

[GroundsKeeper]

Putting a plant under stress will cause it to flower and go to seed in order to reproduce before it dies. many plant will do this, all the energy the plant has will go into producing those seeds so if you want to save the plant cut them off. There are some plants that, unless you cut back on the feed and water and cut the plant its self back will never flower.

[Holly]

Thank you so much for the information. I will cut it back and see what happens......

[Newt]

Hi Holly,
Hope your schefflera is doing better. Here's a site that should be helpful when bringing plants indoors.

http://www.suite101.com/article.cfm/3773/95029

Newt