Umbrella Plant Stem Turning Brown From the Root

Question

I believe that I have finally correctly identified my houseplant as a Schefflera. One stem has died. The other is green and healthy from the top portion but the bottom of the stem, close to the dirt, is turning grayish brown. Underneath if I scrape it, it is still healthy green. Is this normal or is this scale? I don’t see any bugs. It’s an indoor plant.

Answer 1

As "Scheff's" age, their green stems become woody with bark. This is normal.