Question
-------------------------There is only one thing I'm still unsure about.  The spider mites, are they extremely small, or can I see them just by looking, because some stems(it seems as if only on the younger ones) there are tiny brown hairlike fiber looking things.  All up and down and around those stems.  They don't seem to be moving- do you know what these are?  And the soap solution- is what exactly?  What kind of soap, and is it diluted with water?  
Followup To
Question -
-------------------------The name of the plant I needed help with is called Japanese Aralia. I have gathered some really basic info on care instructions, but I would still like and appreciate any tips that you may have.  As I mentioned before, I was spraying the entire plant with tap water about 2-4 times a day.  Is this the cause of the leaves wiltering?  And I would also like to know pruning tips, when to do so, any specific soil that is recomended, additional plant food or spray that will give it more nutrients, any specific care when the plants flower, proper sunlight, things like that will be really beneficial.  Thank you for your time, once again.

Followup To
Question -
Hello Mr. Creed.  I had just purchased, from what I believe, is a common house plant at Target.  However, the plant did not come with any identification or care instructions.  So I need your help.  It came in a 6 inch pot.  The majority of the plant have five leaves, while there are some smaller stems growing that have seven leaves.  The best description that I can give is that it resembles the look of marijuana leaves, especially the seven leaved ones.  What is the name of this plant?  And also some of the leaves are now browning slightly and withering.  I water it when the soil is dry, and also spray the leaves with water often (2-4 times daily).  I have it placed next to my bedroom window, sometimes I set it on my window sill so it can get more light.  Let me know on the proper care instructions, because my plant isn't looking as well as it did when I first purchased it. Also a picture of the plant will help greatly, if possible.  Thank you for your time, and I'll be awaiting your reply.
Answer -
Hi Kim,

From your limited description, I would guess that your plant is either a Schefflera arboricola (Hawaiian schefflera) or a Dizygotheca elegantissima (false aralia).

Before I can give you proper care instructions I will need a positive ID. If you are unable to confirm the ID, please e-mail a photo to me at [email protected]

Regards,
Will Creed
Answer -
Hi Kim,

Japanese aralia is known botanically as Fatsia japonica.

This plant likes bright indirect light, cool temps, and soil that never gets very dry.

It does best in or very close to a north-facing window where the light is bright, but indirect all day long. Direct sun will cause the leaves to bleach out.

Water thoroughly as soon as the surface of the soil feels dry or as soon as the leaves begin to wilt just a bit, whichever comes first. I believe you have been keeping yours too dry and that is the reason some of the leaves are turning brown. Try to avoid ever letting the plant wilt.

If your water is on the hard side, then use filtered, distilled or rainwater instead. If you fertilize, use only at half strength monthly from May - September.

Misting does no harm, but it doesn't really help either. Keeping the soil properly moist is the key, even when the humidity is very low.

Fatsias are very prone to spider mites. Check the undersides of the leaves weekly for signs of dust-like particles. If you find any, spray all leaf and stem surfaces thoroughly with a soap solution. Warm temps and dry air will cause spider mites to reproduce more rapidly. Thus keeping it cool in the winter is a good idea.

Repot only when thoroughly potbound. That would be when your plant needs water again a couple of days after a thorough watering. Move it up one size only. A standard potting mix is fine.

The main stem can be pruned at any point. New growth will emerge just below the point where you make the cut. Pruned off cuttings are difficult to root in water or soil.

This is not a plant that will flower indoors or at least only rarely. It requires nearly ideal conditions to flower.

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

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

If this information has been helpful, please remember to give me an AllExperts rating and nomination.  

Answer
Hi Kim,

Spider mites are small enough to fit 5 or 6 on the head of a pin. If you have good eyes, you can see them move if the light is good. They appear on the undersides of the leaves and not usually on the stems.

The brown hairs you decribed are a natural part of the leaf stems.

The soap spray should be any liquid dish soap mixed with water about the same way you would mix it with water to do dishes.

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

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

If this information has been helpful, please remember to give me an AllExperts rating and nomination.