Beginner Gardening: Umbrella Tree...Problems, Care, 1 by ashla85

ashla85 wrote:
Hello, I have a small umbrella tree...it's kind of out of control, and I'm not sure what to do with it. This tree and I have been on a roller coaster as far as its general appearance/health seem to be. I got the tree about 1.5 years ago, and it was just a tiny sprout when I got it. This past winter I noticed it was having a tendency to get a nearly yellow appearance and was very wilty. Once this spring hit, I transplanted it to a larger pot and put it outside up until very recently. Up until about two weeks ago, it was doing fabulous. Admitedly, once placing it outside, I had a tendency to neglect it. I live in IL (if that is any climate indication). I noticed that it has some dark brown spots on it and some leaves have a wrinkly appearance (even though their color is good). Some of the leaves are starting to yellow. I'm not sure if I somehow scorched it (it's been pretty hot lately and has probably gotten more sun than it should), or if I've over/underwatered it. The pot its in has drainage holes. My main question is, should I or do I need to prune it, if so, how, and why are the leaves turning funny? I have inspected it closely for bugs, and haven't found any. I have brought it back inside so I can give it closer attention and TLC. Also, how much water is "too much"? About how many times a week should I water it? Also, today I gave it some miracle grow plant food (a blue powder you mix with a gallon of water). I hope I didn't just seal its fate....please help!