Question
I also recieved a arkoricola plant.  To me it looked like it had been pruned back and had lots of leaves in the middle.  They have since fallen off and I have one of the canes that don't have any shoots coming at all.  Could it be dead?  The remaining ones look o.k. although it looks so bare with nothing on the one.  Could it come back?  Why would only the one die off?  Also could this plant be put outside on a covered patio in the summer time in NE?

Answer
Hi Karen,

A photo here would be very helpful because your description of your Schefflera arboricola's condition is not very clear.

The loss of one stem is not a good sign because whatever caused it to die back may also be affecting the other stems. However, sometimes just one stem is weak and may die while the others remain healthy.

But the real issue here is not my ability to predict the future health of your plant. What you need is good information on how to care for it and give it the best chance to survive and thrive.

Your Arboricola has a small root system so do not repot it and don't change the soil. Leave the roots alone. Keep your plant right in front of your sunniest window that is completely uncovered. If you do not provide lots of sunlight, then nothing else you do will help. Allow the top quarter of the soil to dry before watering enough for a small quantity of water to trickle through the drainage holes.

It is a simple as that - provide good light and allow the soil to dry sufficiently. No need to repot, fertilize, mist or raise the humidity.

You can move it outside to a shaded area once temps are above 55 degrees at night.

I have written an article on Schefflera care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends a request to me at [email protected].

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

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to PlantCareExperts.com