Ming Aralia With Tiny Black Hard Oval Objects On Trunks

Question

I have at least a 12-year-old six and a half foot Ming Aralia with two relatively thin trunks in a planter. We feed it monthly but have not changed the pebble/soil in many years. There are many very small, black, hard oval objects on both trunks ranging in placement from scattered to dense. I do not see any sign of movement or bug-like features and when I wipe one with my finger it falls off. What are these? Should I be worried? Do I need to treat the plant? How often should a Ming be transplanted? Since the trunks are so leggy, can I cut them, root the existing trunks and not worry about killing the trees?

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Answer 1

Here are two links from the University of California that should be helpful. It look like scale, a common pest.
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn7408.html
http://ipm.ucanr.edu/PMG/PESTNOTES/pn74160.html

You should be able to prune the tree and root the softwood cuttings.
https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/houseplants/aralia-plants/polyscias-fruticosa-ming-aralia.htm

Here's our article that will tell you how to deal with the problem: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/insects/control-plant-scale.htm