My Arboricola is large and old but over the past year it has been leaking 'gum' from its bottom leaves, which then drops onto the table leaving a very tacky mess. My husband wants me to dispose of it, but I thought you might have and answer before we do.
That is the number one problem with this plant species. If scale is not the problem, you may have spider mites feeding on the leaf undersides. Look for little webbing on the leaf edges. Mist the foliage with distilled water at least three or four times a week. Treating the plant with neem oil should help as well. If this doesn't stop the sticky dripping, you may need to consider getting rid of it. In the meantime, an old sheet or tablecloth under the leaves to protect your table. For help in dealing with these pests, here are some articles that you may find helpful: https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/scale-bug-how-to-control-plant-scale.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/plant-problems/pests/spider-mite-detection-and-spider-mite-natural-control.htm, https://www.gardeningknowhow.com/problems/pests/neem-oil-uses.htm
I have an arboricola plant that is extremely large. I put it outdoors in the spring and bring it indoors for the winter. It is now becoming too large to move and I thought about planting it outdoors. Is this possible for it to survive? I live in western Pennsylvania near Indiana.
They cannot survive outdoors year round in your region, as they do not tolerate temps below 50 degrees F. You can, however, prune it back to keep its height under control. Just cut off what you feel is overgrown back to a size or shape you like, and one that is more manageable. These houseplants rebound quickly from pruning and will look even fuller and more lush shortly after pruning.
I need to repot my Arboricola and also Croton. What do I use for the soil?
Regular potting soil will work fine.
Do not you soil from the garden.