Fabian Aralia Trunk Rot: Light, Watering, and Propagation

One of three Fabian aralia trunks develops surface mold, wrinkles, softens, and drops leaves after an accidental double-watering months prior. Expert Darlene attributes this to insufficient light and watering issues. Aralias need warmth (>70°F) and half-day direct sun (east/south/west window). Watering is tricky: larger specimens have few roots in top 2–3 inches; water sparingly only when soil dry that deep, just enough to reach bottom roots. Never sit in water.

Propagation

Difficult in dry climates. April 1–June 30: take 4–6 inch cuttings, remove lower leaves, dip in rooting hormone, pot in fresh soil, cover with plastic bag (clip shut), open daily for air exchange, keep sunny. Roots in ~1 month.