Question

ming aralia   Hello,  I took home a cutting of my Aunt's ming aralia about three months ago.  I set it in water and got it to grow roots after a month and then planted it.  About two weeks ago I repotted it (it was growing great, there was one leaf forming) and I think I planted it in harder soil and it started to die.  I took the plant (tiny) out of the soil and it appears that there are no roots.  I am sending a photo because I really can't explain what I am seeing.  I am wondering if I need to place it in water again to root or is too late?  Thank you for your help, Michelle

Answer
Hi Michelle,

You made the common mistake of repotting unnecessarily. It was growing well until you repotted. Plants should never be repotted until the pot is entirely filled with roots. Moving a plant to a pot that is too large is an open invitation to root rot.

You now have two options. The first is to set it in water and see if it develops new roots. A better option is to get a very small 2" or 3" pot and fill it with damp peat moss. Insert the cutting so that half is in the soil and half is above the soil. Place it in a bright, warm location and mist the soil every day or so to keep the soil barely damp.

No guarantee either way, but give it a try. Nothing to lose. If it does take hold and start growing foliage, increase the watering slightly and leave it in that same small pot for at least a year.

I have written detailed articles on propagation, repotting and on Ming Aralia care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected]. I have also written an indoor plant care book in a PDF format that I can sell you if you contact me at my email address.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and NOMINATION for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.

Need more information? Visit my website at:
A link to HorticulturalHelp.com

or email me at [email protected] or call me at 917-887-8601 (EST)
 
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com