Question
Hi, I was wondering if you could help me out here?  I've had these mass cane trees for about 6 years now and have never had them outside, other than to give them a through rinse for a few seconds and then back in the house they go.  I was doing their rinse and I felt pockets of air on the outside of the main stem and I peeled it off only to find a black mold looking growth with tons of opalescent tiny, worms! I've left them outside for now, because I don't know what to do!
Please help if you can!
thanks,
Vironica


Answer
Hi Vironica,

Any Massangeana cane that has the outer bark starting to loosen and separate from the cane is in the process of dying and cannot be salvaged. In nearly all cases this is because of root rot due to soil that is not allowed to dry out sufficiently. The worm-like critters are simply thriving on the decaying roots and lower cane.

All you can do is cut off the healthy leaf stems that are growing out of the top of the rotting cane and root them in plain water or in a small pot filled with a peat-based potting mix.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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