I Emailed A Question 3 Days Ago & Haven’t Heard Back. I Fear My Plant Cannot Wait Any Longer.

Question

Thank you for your answer & the links for information! Unfortunately, I posted my origional question after reading those & numerous other informative sites. Until now, my plant flourished for almost two decades & I may not have posed my question correctly. I transplanted due to leaf fall & bare stalks. Immediately after, I saw signs of transplant shock. The mold just showed up two days ago, I used old potting soil & it might have been contaminated. I know I need to transplant into new, fresh soil, but can not purchase it for a few days. With the rate of leaf fall, I’m worried some stalks will be completely bare and/or won’t have enough leafs remaining to live through transplant shock. (I attached current pics) Therefore, if I place the root ball or pruned ends with leaf sprouts in water, will they last & grow roots for new planting? Will fungacide spray with baking soda or apple cider vinegar harm the plant? Should I only spray it on the soil. Lastly, will activated charcoal work in place of a pot with drainage?

Answer 1

First thing, if you have some healthy foliage, cut some off and propagate a new plant in case this one doesn't make it. They will usually grow if you just insert the stem in soil. Since you are waiting on soil, try rooting it in water.

Since it is so leggy, I would trim it back to encourage bushiness (you can use the cuttings for more propagation). Schefflera grows quickly if given the proper growing conditions.

I didn't see the mold in the photos, so I'm assuming there is some on top of the soil. If so, just scrape it off with a spoon and discard. The soil may be too moist. Let it dry out between waterings.

You can make a fungicide with baking soda, but nix the vinegar; it could kill your plant.

You need a pot with drainage. Without it, your plant will be prone to root rot.

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/schefflera/schefflera-plant-care.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/schefflera/why-is-my-schefflera-leggy.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/schefflera/repotting-schefflera-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/baking-soda-on-plants.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/vinegar-rooting-hormone.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/garden-how-to/info/use-vinegar-in-gardens.htm

https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/hpgen/preventing-mold-in-the-soil-of-a-houseplant.htm