Umbrella plant

[PoseidonTheChameleon]

So my umbrella plant has lost A LOT of leaves. I've never seen a plant loose so many leaves a day. Is this something that this plant just does or am I doing something wrong? It looks healthy and everything but I mean, this thing half the plant it was.

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

An Umbrella Plant dropping leaves is normally a sign of stress due to improper care. Over or underwatering, low light, temperature extremes, repotting, pests, diseases, under/overfeeding, low humidity, or a new location can cause dropping leaves. Old leaves will also drop naturally.
https://smartgardenguide.com/umbrella-plant-dropping-leaves/

 

[PoseidonTheChameleon]

Wow theres so many things that could be wrong with it... I guess I should get a plant light and start from there

 

[Chase]

This is why I usually have multiples to cycle out. When one starts to look bad I put it outside and bring a different one in.

In my experience it’s one of two things causing this when inside in an enclosure- poor lighting (no additional plant lights), or underwatering.

I’ve planted some in the ground when they looked too far gone to ever go back in an enclosure and they thrive in Florida, and sometimes we get 4+ inches of rain a day multiple times a day, so overwatering is hardly an issue (in my experience)

 

[Madmango]

Umbrella plants are highly light plants. Definitely add a good quality full spectrum grow light. This is a good one
https://www.amazon.com/SANSI-Daylig...uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl
You can also cut it back to encourage new growth and branching.

 

[Fchamel]

I have this one for when I get umbrellas: https://www.sansiled.com/70w-led-grow-light-full-spectrum.html
Was recommended to me by many forum members. Worth the money. If you were to buy some of the single ones, then you'd spend more money on just a couple than a bunch all in one.

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

Wow theres so many things that could be wrong with it... I guess I should get a plant light and start from there

How long has it been without one?

Although umbrella plants do best in bright, indirect light, they can usually tolerate direct indoor light, and will just grow more slowly and become leggy in medium-to-low light. Humidity is generally not a concern, but the plants can be more susceptible to pests like scale and spider mites if the air is too dry.
https://www.apartmenttherapy.com/umbrella-plants-our-best-tips-for-growing-and-care-240514

I don't think dryness is the concern.

Umbrella plants are highly light plants. Definitely add a good quality full spectrum grow light. This is a good one
https://www.amazon.com/SANSI-Daylig...uPWNsaWNrUmVkaXJlY3QmZG9Ob3RMb2dDbGljaz10cnVl
You can also cut it back to encourage new growth and branching.

That is a good light—we have 2 of them, but in my enclosure I went for the big gun...
https://www.sansiled.com/70w-led-grow-light-full-spectrum.html
(Got 2 of those too—in a 48"W enclosure) They reach down into the nether regions.

You can find it on Amazon, and there are almost always coupons for any of their lights.
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=sansi+coupons

 

[PoseidonTheChameleon]

How long has it been without one?


I don't think dryness is the concern.


That is a good light—we have 2 of them, but in my enclosure I went for the big gun...
https://www.sansiled.com/70w-led-grow-light-full-spectrum.html
(Got 2 of those too—in a 48"W enclosure) They reach down into the nether regions.

You can find it on Amazon, and there are almost always coupons for any of their lights.
https://www.google.com/search?client=firefox-b-1-d&q=sansi+coupons

I got the plant maybe a month ago and never had a plant light

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

I got the plant maybe a month ago and never had a plant light

OK. Trying to rule some things out. Missus says they don't generally drop all their leaves that fast—suggested checking for spider mites and/or mealybugs (not the same as mealworms). She says ya gotta listen to the plant(?)

She doesn't rule out the lack of plant light though.

 

[JacksJill]

They really don't like having soggy roots. I re-pot mine with an inch of gravel in the bottom of the pot to improve drainage.

 

[PoseidonTheChameleon]

So does anyone have any recommendations for a small plant light ? I looked all night last night but I cannot fit these huge lights on my screen people

Also thank you for laughing at me Amanda

 

[jamest0o0]

Umbrella plants don't do well in enclosures without special lighting. They thrive as bushes in florida sun to give you an idea. They're also susceptible to pests.

 

[sergeantapone]

Mine's done well for about four weeks without direct sunlight. I just water it directly about twice a week (other than cage misting) and I make a point to trim off all the lower stems/leaves that don't get any light and aren't of any use to my chameleon, that way the nutrients and moisture are reserved for the higher up leaves that get more light.

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

So does anyone have any recommendations for a small plant light ? I looked all night last night but I cannot fit these huge lights on my screen people

Not sure if I'm understanding you. Are you talking about physical space (and if so, what have you got up there?) or weight?

I don't have anything resting directly on the mesh. All the lights are supported on wooden slats that transfer the weight to the enclosure frame.

The 36W flood would be put in something like a clamp light fixture attached to a dome support.

https://www.harborfreight.com/clamp-light-with-aluminum-reflector-67651.html
https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/exo-terra-light-bracket-light-dome-support-fixture

 

[PoseidonTheChameleon]

Not sure if I'm understanding you. Are you talking about physical space (and if so, what have you got up there?) or weight?

I don't have anything resting directly on the mesh. All the lights are supported on wooden slats that transfer the weight to the enclosure frame.

The 36W flood would be put in something like a clamp light fixture attached to a dome support.
View attachment 298847 View attachment 298846
https://www.harborfreight.com/clamp-light-with-aluminum-reflector-67651.html
https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/exo-terra-light-bracket-light-dome-support-fixture

My lights and dripper are all on mesh, I dont really have any room for a big, square light up there. I'm thinking of getting a double dome and having a heat bulb and grow bulb.

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

My lights and dripper are all on mesh, I dont really have any room for a big, square light up there. I'm thinking of getting a double dome and having a heat bulb and grow bulb.

What's the footprint of the dripper? I assume we're talking about a 24x24x48 enclosure(?)

 

[PoseidonTheChameleon]

What's the footprint of the dripper? I assume we're talking about a 24x24x48 enclosure(?)

It's a small dripper, not sure the exact dimensions of it. I can get a picture of the top when I get home later today, it was a home-built one so the top is a little weird lol. I have my uvb going diagonally and a heat lamp on one side of it and then the dripper on the other.

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

I have my uvb going diagonally and a heat lamp on one side of it and then the dripper on the other.

Ah. I did not know that. I'm not trying to be a pain; I just got pretty good at layout (past job).
I already have a couple of ideas, but it would help to see the picture of the top.

 

[PoseidonTheChameleon]

Ah. I did not know that. I'm not trying to be a pain; I just got pretty good at layout (past job).
I already have a couple of ideas, but it would help to see the picture of the top.

As you can see, not much room lol

 

[Klyde O'Scope]

As you can see, not much room lol

Enough... I think. I had this scaled out for a 2x2 footprint, but I didn't realize you had the 1x4 frame around the top. Does that enclosure measure 24 x 24 outside to outside of that top frame or somewhat larger?