Scheffeleras are shade-loving shrubs with huge leaves that will give any landscape an exotic, jungle look but they are attractive to spider mites and this sap sucking insect will leave a sticky residue and also turn the foliage a pale green or yellow. They are easy to control with water. Keep your plants well hydrated as dry plants become stressed and attract pests. Use the spray end of a hose to wash down the undersides of the leaves every day for a week - then keep washing the leaves once a week or so to keep the mites from coming back. You should also remove the worst of the leaves to encourage new growth. In the spring you can cut back this shrub to encourage fresh new growth. A mulch on top of the soil will help to seal in moisture. If the mites are still a problem after the water treatment, use an insecticide to spray the plant making sure the product lists spider mites as one of the pests that it will control. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti