Heptapleurum Trouble

Question

I have one of these plants that is about 7 feet tall. It was repotted over 6 months ago. Over the last few months, it started to lose leaves. The top portions of the stems are turning black and any leaves above the darkened stalk die and fall off. The bottom portion of the plant still looks healthy. It seems to be more of the new growth that is having issues. I cut off one of the stalks after it turned black, lost all of the leaves and turned kind of soft. I cut just below the darkened portion of the stalk, the portion left seems to be doing fine. There is another stalk that is doing the same thing. What do you think is the problem and should I prune the affected areas?

Answer 1

It sounds like it might be root rot. Make sure that the new pot has good drainage and only water when the top of the soil is dry to the touch. Here is more information on root rot: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/disease/treating-root-rot-gardening-tips-for-housplants.htm