Find Your 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,
Plant Expert Reply: 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
