Question: Hello Judy, How are you? As a result of some company cutbacks, we had to let our “plant lady” go a couple of months ago. Before she left she gave me instructions to water Scott’s tree in his office once a week and to use about 1 ½ cans of water. I marked my calendar to remind me each week and look what happened (see attached photos)…I think I killed the poor thing!! It’s not even absorbing the water anymore (there’s a puddle of stagnant water at the base just sitting there since Friday).

So, what do you think? Is it totally hopeless and should I put this poor tree out of its misery or do you think you give us some of your expect advise to revive it? Please let us know.

Thanks. ~ Dawn

Judy's Answer: Hi Dawn,

It looks as though you have overwatered the tree and the roots are starting to disintegrate. Once the roots start to die, it can no longer absorb any water and although it looks droopy it is really getting too much water. From the photo it looks like a ming aralia, not the easiest of plants to care for as far as watering is concerned. You can have your cleaning people get rid of as much of the water as possible and allow the tree to dry out for at least several weeks. The problem is, the tree will probably lose most of its leaves and look very bad for a long time, if it even survives at all. My suggestion is have it moved to a very sunny spot in the building or throw it out. It will be a very depressing sight in Scott's office. A good easy care plant for him would be a "DRACAENA JANET CRAIG LISA." Be sure it's a LISA variety. Get one in a 14" growers pot & just drop it into your decorative container (be sure you have an inner drip saucer, and cover the top with Spanish Moss). You can get one about 6-7ft. tall. Give it about three cups of water a week (if you forget a week it doesn't even care)! As with any dracaena, if the tips of the leaves start to turn brown, you are over watering it. 99% of plants die from over watering, so if people are taking care of other plants in the office email them this little fact.

Hope this helps a little.

Your long distant plant consultant,
Judy