A quick followup --

From what I've read, my plan was to let the stems and roots dry overnight, then replant the two stems with good roots and use some root hormone. For the mushy stems, I'll cut just above the mush, and try planting those in soil, again with root hormone. But there are no leaves, is that ok?

Then put these so they don't get direct sunlight, and don't water? Is it ok to put several stems in one larger pot? I don't have 10 small ones laying around.

I have a feeling my efforts may be futile, but I have to try.

Don't use root hormone now, it'll only stress the plant more. What is with everyone not having plants in direct light? Jades are succulents - almost cacti, and need every ounce of sun you can dredge up all day long. Give it to them, especially if they're half rotted by water and need drying up. Put all you want in one pot (within reason as they will grow if you're lucky). Let the freshly cut ends dry for 2 days, not just overnight.

Sorry to hear about your plant!

If all that's mainly left of your Schefflera is what is shown in your picture, it looks gone to me. If you have some left with stems and some wilted leaves on top, cut them off flush where they are attached to the main branch.
You should see one small green stem holding up all stems and leaves, kinda like a nosegay. Try rooting it about an inch down in soil in a small pot with nice draining soil. Water it in well once, then let the soil pretty much dry. Scheffs like to pretty much dry out between waterings.
Give it indirect light and cross your fingers it roots. Don't keep the soil wet!
Later, if it roots for you, give it more and more light, do this gradually so it eventually gets "some" sun during the day.

Good luck!
Billy Rae

I think you should try to save the plant since it has sentimental value and you want to have tried everything before giving up. I think you should be ready in case the plant dosent come back.

At the same time, Prehaps you can look for a schefflera of the same species as your present one? Accidents happen, escpecially when your learning (you wouldnt believe the number of plants I have lost this summer alone...but I learned something with each loss!)

Keep trying with your shefflera, and good luck!

Hi everyone, thanks for the advice. I have several cuttings sitting in soil or water. After 2 weeks, a few have rotted, most look like they're doing nothing, but one has sprouted a very small growth near the base!

I'm very pleased, but want to ensure I do the right thing so this survives. I haven't watered since planting the cuttings. The soil is still slightly moist, and I've misted the cutting a couple times. Is there anything I should be doing at this point to ensure the cutting properly roots? Shall I just let it be?

Currently the cuttings are in a room that is warm, receives a lot of light but the cuttings are not in direct light. They are enclosed in a plastic canopy to increase humidity. The one cutting that has new growth was the "main stem" of the plant, with a good healthy white root that was trimmed to remove any signs of rot.

Congrats! I am still amazed at the way nature heals itself!!

if the soil is slightly moist, dont mist the cuttings. The plastic baggie will keep them from drying out anyway. Underwatering is much better than overwatering. We tend to equate watering a plant with giving it "love". Let the roots breath a bit in between waterings. it makes the plant grow faster sometimes.

Im very glad your plant is comming back to health. keep up the good work, doctor ;)