Schefflerra Actinophylla Amate / Umbrella tree

Hi! I was given an Shefflera Amate and was very excited until I realized it has rot on a portion of the stem. I knew one stem had been trimmed out due to rot (aaah the smell) but didn't notice the black on what I thought was the healthy stem until later.

My current plan is to cut out the rotted area on the stem left leaving the stub, and try to root the healthy portion hoping the stub left may send off a new shoot. The question I have is this: on a Schefflera Arboricola it works well to just pop it in the soil to root it. I have tried putting it in water but it just rotted. I know many people who this works for but apparently not me . So with the Amate, can I treat it as the Arboricola and put it directly in the soil? Given my luck with the Arboricola that is what I plan on but I thought maybe someone with a fair amount of experience with Amate's could give me some advice. I would really like to save this plant.

Sorry, I posted this in the wrong area...oops! Have reposted in the correct location.

This message was edited Jun 26, 2009 11:04 AM

Your OK;-)

The only other "tip" i could add is: add some root horomone . It will aid in the devlopment of root's more quickly.

Rachel

Yes, I have root hormone! That and my old friend Superthrive. I hope it lives. I've rooted the Arboricola's before but not an Amate. So here goes nothing! Thanks!

You have to treat that plant for scale's as well.

Rachel

LOL you are on both! So yes, I am treating the scale. ;)

Put this plant in a "type" of hospital room;-) Do not let your infected plant be around other plant's. Scale's spread to other plant's quite fast, especially one's that are in stress.

Rachel

Yep, scale & I have met before. Thankfully if you keep on them they aren't so bad to get rid of. And absolutely, it isn't going near my other plants! It is currently in it's own little spot awaiting surgery. I think I will attack it (lovingly) tomorrow. I will probably get some new dirt since one of the trunks had rot as well, it smells terrible if you get close, like when I was carrying it into my house. They had cut that trunk out, I just didn't notice the other had a spot on it as well. But that one is up in the center so I am hoping to save at least the top & cross my fingers that the stub left may still be healthy enough to grow again.
On second thought I think I'll plant the cutting in a new pot then wait and see what the stub does. That way if anything is in the soil I won't infect my little start. Wish me luck! Do a happy plant dance for me :)