---
title: "Help! This plant was given to us at my mother in laws funeral 4 years…"
description: "Help! This plant was given to us at my mother in laws funeral 4 years ago, it was huge but has since started to die…my question is, while trying to revive it…"
url: "https://getplanta.com/community/lKxUkhzRR_aIJD7o1QvtwQ/EMhZK4ZaVciFhQcpGVLnRG"
community: "Pests, diseases and problems"
author: "AbbyK"
published: "2025-03-20T15:35:11.216671Z"
language: "en"
image: "https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/vNyWUlYUBFDEz10JxWVR0-_G-Slox_SdOsQMgtu4Tjo/UPyEdbXGRsWnaGjBRu2Qew.webp?size=large"
---

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# Help! This plant was given to us at my mother in laws funeral 4 years…

_Posted by AbbyK on 2025-03-20_

Help! This plant was given to us at my mother in laws funeral 4 years ago, it was huge but has since started to die…my question is, while trying to revive it should I cut off the dead limbs?

![Attachment 1 of 1](https://images.getplanta.com/v1/resize/vNyWUlYUBFDEz10JxWVR0-_G-Slox_SdOsQMgtu4Tjo/UPyEdbXGRsWnaGjBRu2Qew.webp?size=large)

## 6 comments

### Nunyabzwx commented on 2025-03-20

It looks like its a Schafflera umbrella tree. The stems turn into bark after awhile. But if the bark is brittle and dead looking then yes cut them off. If there's any sign of green then no don't cut. In the picture it looks like the pot is way to big for it but i can only see a little part so I'm not sure.

#### AbbyK replied on 2025-03-20

Thank you! I think when it was bigger the size of the pot made sense is there a specific soil I should use to repot it?

### Nunyabzwx commented on 2025-03-20

Also get all the dead leaves that are in the soil out of there.

### Sunny commented on 2025-03-20

Cut off the dead roots, as well. Then reduce the pot size to fit the root ball size. The top soil should be within an inch of the rim. Give it more sunlight or add a single plant grow light within a foot of it running 12 hours a day. Water as soon as the soil dries. Fertilize once a month at least.

### monster\_maniac commented on 2025-03-20

yea i think starting in a pot that is the right size and maybe changing the soil it looks a bit idk more like dirt and less like soil. the stems do look a bit dead

### Trespence commented on 2025-03-20

Trim dead stuff and check the soil. If it’s been in there 4 years… probably needs a refresh. You can check the roots and “look under the hood”

My scheffellera (sp?). Likes potting soil mixed with perlite so it’s not too wet/compacted. They don’t like direct sun… but very bright.

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