Me again.

On second thought, perhaps it's possible overwatering that's causing ALL the worms to surface, making it seem like an increase in number?

Still helpless,
Lisa

They're likely fungus gnat nymphs that are finding overly wet soil a happy home. Allow your scheff to become very dry before watering well & the problem will likely correct itself.

Al

Fungus gnat larvae can damage the roots of container plants. You certainly have the right to return this plant to that store, give the clerk a piece of your mind, and get your money back. Frankly, that is what I would probably do.

Many people find that fungus gnats and their larvae are more difficult to get rid of than Tapla suggests. Changing potting soils to something that is coarser and drains rapidly would be helpful. But there are products on the market that will take care of the problem with no danger to you. One brand name is Gnatrol. It is a biological control agent that will control those little larvae as you water. You may have to reapply a few times to finally get rid of them all, but it WILL work. OR, you could purchase the same Bt that is used to control mosquito larvae in ponds, pools, bird baths, and mix up some of that to water into your soil. It's the same stuff. Mosquitos and the fungus gnats are closely related, believe it or not.

Mind you, we don't know if the fungus gnat larvae is what is causing the problems with your plant! That is another reason why it might be a good idea to return it. It does sound like you are overwatering your plant, by the way. ;-)

wow I had one of those unbrella trees, a very small one, I think I killed it by over watering it also. :( actually how often should a small one be watered?