Ask the Expert: Will my Fabian Aralia die? It has bright green marks on the bark and under the spots the bark just peels away is it at the point of no return or can I fix it?

Lauren,

You Fabian Aralia may have mealy bug or scale damage. If you see anything similar to these insects mealy bug or wax scale then you can use a pyrethrin based insecticide. If the damage is not too extensive then the plant should recover.

Stem borers can also infect Aralia. It is actually the larvae of the stem borer that causes the problem. By the time you see the damage from a stem borer it may be too late to save the plant. However if your plant is still putting on new growth, you may have a chance to save it. Use a permethrin based insecticide on it.

Your local garden center should have these insecticides. Be sure to ask for a houseplant strength insecticide.

Jamie

Ask The Expert: can a lucky bamboo be planted in houseplant soil, if so can you please give me step by step directions on doing it. Or should it be left in the container it came in and will it outgrow the container? The container is very small. the measurements are 3″deep,5½”long 2″wide. and should it always be in pebbles?thanking you in advance Velma

Velma,

Lucky Bamboo can be planted in soil. Begin with placing stones or broken crockery pieces in the bottom of a container with drain holes. Then fill the container with a fast draining soil mixture. Make a hole with your finger and place the lucky bamboo stalk in the hole - gently close the hole with soil. Keep in mind that lucky bamboo likes to be crowded so don’t use a container that is too large.

Remember that lucky bamboo that has been grown in water for a long time it may not survive in a soil mixture. If you decide you must plant it in soil keep the soil very moist until the lucky bamboo acclimates to the soil mixture.

If you would like more lucky bamboo information read Caring for Lucky Bamboo or you may want to review other Lucky bamboo posts.

Jamie

Ask the Expert:

Which dracaena can take low light(opposite of south east window approximatly 14 feet). I would like something varigated. Please advize as to which dracaena or any other varigated plant.

Thanks, Susi Stein Omaha
Susi,

There are few plants that you can use in this situation. You could use a type of variegated Schefflera arboricola. If you want a variegated Dracaena that works well use my favorite the Warneckii goldstar. Another great low light plant that is easy to grow is the Golden pothos seen here . Pothos is also a great trailing plant for baskets. The Aglaonema ‘Silver Bay’ is a fairly easy to grow low light plant that has broad leaves and a silvery variegation. Any one of the above plants should work for you.

Dracaena - Warneckii Goldstar

Golden Pohtos

Aglaonema ‘Silver Bay’

Thanks to Bernecker’s Nursery for the Photos.

Jamie

Ask the Expert: How do I separate lucky bamboos?
My son wants to repot his lucky bamboo and separate it into two different pots. But, the roots are all intertwined/tangled. Can he cut them without harming the plants? How should he cut them? What is the best way? Vicki

Vicki,

It won’t hurt to cut the roots, but I usually work my fingers through the roots (similar to untangling hair) until I free them from each other. If you are going to cut them try to cut them as far from the lucky bamboo plant as possible. By doing this you will ensure that each stalk has plenty of roots to sustain it. Also check for any pest or problems before you repot the lucky bamboo. Flower Shop Network has a great newsletter about Caring For Lucky Bamboo and we have many blog posts concerning lucky bamboo issues if you would like further information.

Jamie