Question
My main question is about pruning. I was just forced to cut off the main major branch of my umbrella tree houseplant. Fortunatly another branch had been growing for a few years that was the same size. And although it is sticking out at a 90 degree angle from the main trunk, I think it will work out alright. I had to cut the center stem becasue all the leaves drooped and fell off, then the top of the trunk (where i had been pinching) began to shrivel up. I assume some sort of disease, and cut the branch down by 3 feet. the remaining branch lsticking out is completely abr, and about 12 inches long. I do not want the fresh cut to get infected, is there anyhting that I can do to protect it? I made the cut with a clean sharp sterilized razor blade. I am hoping that some of the dormant growing tips on the main trunk near the bottom will sprout, making my plant bushier.
Thanks for your time!
-Nate

Answer
Nate,

You can go to a garden center and get pruning paste and seal it but it has been my experience that cuts dry and seal themselves within a couple of days.

I don't know of any disease that would cause the damage to the schefflera that you you describe. That kind of damage is usually caused by too much water. The roots on this plant will rot easily when it is overwatered. It really likes to get bone dry between waterings so the roots have a few days to breath before being watered again. Roots take in carbon dioxide from the air through the soil and breath out oxygen through the leaves. Being constantly wet does not allow that process to take place and the roots rot. Cut back on the water and give it a few days of being dry between waterings and also give it plenty of light (you might even move it outdoors in full sun for the rest of the summer) and you will see a lot of new growth on that trunk. Your plant will end up being a lot bushier than it ever was before. Good luck.

Darlene