Question
Dear Will,

I purchased a lovely little tree at a fundraising auction in Portland, Oregon last fall. Someone told me it was a pittosporum, but I'm not sure if it is or not. It is a delicate, flowy tree with small round leaves. It is about four feet tall and living in approx. a 3 or 4 gallon pot. The pot has no drainage holes in it, but of there is a layer of rocks under the soil. It has survived very well indoors over the past nine months in a well-lit area in the house, but suddenly its leaves are very dry, crumbly, and falling off. At first I thought I must have underwatered it (which is very possible being how busy I have been recently!). However, I also noticed that it may have a fungus growing on it. The leaves seem a bit sticky. Also, the trunk and branches seem sort of grey and powdery with bug-sized off-white growths on them. Is there hope? It is a beautiful little tree and I feel terrible that it isn't doing well. Any advice that you have is most appreciated. Thank you!

Answer
Hi Rani,

All indications are that your plant is suffering from root rot. Putting a plant in a pot without drainage holes is never a good idea and nearly always leads to the development root problems. The reason is that you have no way of determining if you are providing the correct amount of water. Excess water collects in the bottom and gases build up there, as well. The drainage material in the bottom is an out-of-date practice that has been discredited as a horticultural practice.

All you can do is remove it from its pot and inspect the roots. Look for firm, light colored roots. If there are few or none, then discard the plant. If there is a substantial number of healthy roots, then move the plant into the smallest pot with drainage holes that it will fit into. In addition, prune back all stems to remove all infected portions of the tree.

BTW, Pittosporum or mock orange, does not do well indoors as it requires cool winter temps in the mid-40's.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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