Schefflera Amate

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.

Bay City, MI(Zone 6a)

I'm sorry to say so, but fungal infections are carried in the nutrient stream and cause cells to rupture, destroying hydraulic transport (water movement) in the plant/cutting. You can try to root what's left of the plant, but my experience tells me you are fighting the tide. If you really like this plant, it's probably best to give another a try. Be sure to destroy the soil and disinfect the pot (if you plan to reuse it) with H2O2 or a 10% household bleach solution.

Al

Ya, I was afraid of that. I guess I don't have anything to loose by giving it a shot though. It will die anyway the way it is...sigh. I also have noticed it has scale...ugh! Poor thing. Well, that's why it was free. I'll give it a shot anyway & keep an eye out for a reasonably priced one as well. As they say, nothing ventured nothing gained! :)

Are you treating for Scale's?

Rachel

Yes I am. Little buggers! Thankfully there aren't many.

Your plant is going to experience a double whammy. Do not give up hope though!

Rachel

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