Question
Hi Darlene-
I emailed you a few weeks ago regarding my 5 1/2 ft Ming aralias that I suspected root rot and had trimmed one stalk completely down due to a mushy stalk.  I have been extremely careful about overwatering since then.  The basic plant looks OK, but it had another stalk fail/die, and it looks like another one is on it's way to dying off.  It used to have 7 strong stalks, and is now down to 5  stalks (4 of which still look healthly and feel firm) in a 13" pot.  My question is this:  there is now alot of room in that big pot with only 5 stalks in it, and I am concerned about the potential for further root rot because the stalks have died off leaving extra room in that pot....should I re-pot to a smaller one?  I worry about doing that because it's hard on plants, is it not?  Mings are so finicky it seems.  ANY advice would be appreciated.  Also, you mentioned that I should cut off some growth and re-start another plant.  I have no idea on where to cut off growth from (i.e. where on the stalk, do I cut from the main stalk, or from an off-shoot branch, etc...) thanks so much for your time!!
Marlie

Answer
Marlie,

My main suggestions would be to give it as much sun as possible, preferably full sun all day long. The more sun the plant gets the healthier the plants will be. This time of year give it minimal water. By minimal I mean not more than a quart of water or less every 2 weeks or more. Do not water it until the leaves start looking slightly translucent. Then it is  time to water it.

If I were taking cuttings I would make them about 6 inches long of all green growing plant material.

If you cut it back to barely enough water to keep it alive it should stop the plant from turning  mushy and getting rotting branches.  

Good luck.

Darlene