I think the repotter used soil with too-fine particles, which is now compacting and keeping the roots from being able to absorb water, while also shrinking back from other structures exposing the wires. You may need to repot again using better (coarse, loose) soil with a lot of grit in it for fast drainage and better oxygen take-up. I hope you water from above, only, as submersion is not a good idea. I'm sure the green things are fertilizer. Not knowing where you keep it exposure-wise, or how often you water makes it a bit hard to judge things also.

Sounds to me like its time to be repotted. Should clear up all the problems you're noticing.

Hi David

Are you new to growing plants?

Your definition of thrive doesn't match mine or the dictionary's. To "boom, prosper, get ahead, flourish, expand" is what comes to my mind.

That doesn't happen with "very little care and attention" as you have stated you give the plant. You also say it hasn't grown out of it's original character. So it hasn't grown in 2 years?

For 2 years this plant sounds like it has struggled to survive. That is a fast growing tropical that should have scared you with growth if given some attention and consistent care.

Repotting might help, but a better idea of what this plant needs to be healthy and thrive may help more.

randy

Sorry David. For some odd reason 2 two years got stuck in my mind, but you say several. How many is several?

Please don't think I'm giving you a hard time. I'm just going by the information you have given and an understanding of how fast a schefflera can grow under good conditions.

The fact that your plant has done nothing in several years speaks to care and not potting in my opinion. But after several years in the same pot without fresh or new soil probably has compounded the problem even more.

randy