How to Save a Dying False Aralia Plant

The False Aralia plant, also known as the Schefflera arboricola, is a popular houseplant that can grow to be quite large. With its glossy, green leaves and interesting shape, it makes for a beautiful addition to any home. However, like any living thing, False Aralias can experience problems and even die if not properly cared for. In this article, we will discuss how to save a dying False Aralia plant.

Identifying the Problem

The first step in saving a dying False Aralia plant is identifying the problem. There are several factors that can contribute to the decline of this plant, including overwatering, underwatering, pests, or disease. Here are some common symptoms to look out for:

• Yellowing or browning leaves
• Leaf drop
• Wilting or drooping branches
• Black spots on the leaves or stems
• Sticky residue on the leaves or stems

Once you have identified the problem, you can take steps to address it and save your plant.

Overwatering

Overwatering is one of the most common problems with False Aralia plants. These plants prefer to be on the drier side and do not like to sit in water. If you have been watering your plant too frequently or not allowing the soil to dry out between waterings, it may be suffering from overwatering.

To save an overwatered False Aralia plant, stop watering it immediately and allow the soil to dry out completely. You may need to repot the plant in fresh, well-draining soil if the roots have become waterlogged. Once you have repotted the plant and allowed it to dry out, water it sparingly and only when the top inch of soil has dried out.

Underwatering

On the other hand, underwatering can also cause problems for False Aralia plants. If the soil is too dry or the plant has not been watered enough, it may start to wilt and drop its leaves.

To save an underwatered False Aralia plant, give it a thorough watering and make sure the soil is moist all the way through. You may need to water it more frequently in the future to prevent the soil from drying out.

Pests

False Aralia plants can also be susceptible to pests like spider mites, mealybugs, and scale insects. These pests can cause damage to the leaves and stems, leading to a decline in the health of the plant.

To save a False Aralia plant infested with pests, remove any affected leaves or branches and treat the remaining plant with an insecticidal soap or neem oil. You may need to repeat the treatment several times to fully get rid of the pests.

Disease

Finally, False Aralia plants can also be prone to diseases like root rot or bacterial leaf spot. These diseases can cause the leaves to turn black or brown and fall off.

To save a False Aralia plant suffering from disease, remove any affected leaves or branches and treat the remaining plant with a fungicide or bactericide. You may also need to repot the plant in fresh soil to prevent further spread of the disease.

FAQ

How often should I water my False Aralia plant?

False Aralias prefer to be on the drier side and should only be watered when the top inch of soil has dried out.

Can I prune my False Aralia plant?

Yes, pruning can help promote new growth and keep your plant looking its best. However, be sure to use clean, sharp scissors and only prune back up to 1/3 of the plant at a time.

Can False Aralia plants be propagated?

Yes, False Aralias can be propagated by stem cuttings. Simply take a cutting with several leaves and place it in moist soil. Keep the soil moist and the cutting in a warm, bright location until roots develop.

In conclusion, False Aralia plants are beautiful and unique houseplants that can add a touch of green to any home. However, they can experience problems and even die if not properly cared for. By identifying the problem and taking steps to address it, you can save your dying False Aralia plant and enjoy its beauty for years to come.