Question
We've had a 2ft tall umbrella tree for nearly two months now and it looks like
it's dying. First it started sagging a bit - now all the umbrellas are floppy and
facing down. I think we may have been over-watering it (every couple of
days?) so i've been letting it dry out - but the soil is still damp underneath so
i've not watered it for a quite while. The bottom 6 inches of the stems have
turned brown. Sometimes there seems to be swarm of small flying bugs near
the tree. Can I save it?

Answer
Rosemary,

You didn't say where you live or where you have it sitting but this tree loves the sun. Your best chance for saving it is to set it outdoors and let the sun work on it. Yes, you were overwatering it indoors and the bugs are fungus gnats. But, if you put it outdoors and the sun works on it it will perk up much faster and then it will start needing watered every couple of days as long as it is outside. It can stay out till the first of September. When it comes back in water it thoroughly once every 7-10 days.Keep it in the sunniest window you have. Do not water it again until it is very dry. Do not repot it, it likes to be somewhat rootbound and will stay healthier. If you have more questions write again. Good luck.

Darlene