Question
We have a 35 year-old 8-foot Schefflera here in Maine we call our "marriage plant" because we bought it the first year we were married. We set it outside in June for its annual rejuvination and, sadly, all the leaves fell off. I re-planted it in a larger pot with rich potting soil and clipped the stalks back by 1/4th. Nothing happened.
Figuring there was nothing else we could do, we left the plant outside this winter.
Our marriage is great,...but is there any hope for the Schefflera? Perhaps Propagation?
Thank you.
John  

Answer
John, you definitely did the right thing by cutting it back to see if pruning would stimulate new growth. Unfortunately, if no new shoots were evidenced within one month following the pruning, the plant is most likely dead. Like all living creatures, every plant has a defined life-span, and 35 years is very good for most plants.

As you so wisely stated, the important thing is that your marriage is still thriving. May I suggest a new Schefflera for your next anniversary?

Good luck, and enjoy the weekend.

Regards,

Mike