Question
About four years ago I was given what I believe to be a schefflera (long, green leaves, pretty hardy).  The plastic pot seemed small for the plant's size (5') and the soil was gray and more sand-y than soil-y.  I repotted the plant to a 14" draining pot on a trivet with wheels.  I give her about 12 oz. water per week, and she sits about 15' away from a northern window.  There's lots of indirect light.

What troubles me is this: she has three branches coming out of the soil, but only one has leaves.  The other two are dead--the "bark" is brittle, almost paper-like.  The third limb, however, seems healthy.  Leafing stems start about four feet up its length and continue for about two feet, for a total of six feet.

The plant's unbalanced on the sides (one branch where there may have been three) and is a bit top heavy.

What do you think I could do with this plant to cause it to "fill in," if anything?

Thanks!

Answer
Hi Frank,

Your description seems to match a Dracaena massangeana (corn plant) better than a Schefflera.

I am surprised it is still alive in a pot so large and so far away from a north window, although that may be why the other two canes are dead.

Send a photo to me at [email protected] so that I can properly ID your plant and also see its condition so I can properly make recommendations for you.

Regards,
Will Creed