Sounds like you might have a Schefflera braid, which have become popular in the trade. Do post a picture so that we can see it, and identify it for certainty. A sharp pair of scissors can be used to remove any growth below the canopy. You should keep up with that kind of pruning or your braided tree will soon lose it's interesting form. It's not unusual for potting soils to harbor mushroom forming fungi. The good thing is that they are feeding on the peat moss (and bark, etc.) in the potting mix and not your plant. I'd not worry about it too much. Keep the mushrooms removed so that spores aren't spread around.

The jade looks very healthy! Here is a video to watch, follow the link: https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=UwPG4hHoehA Sun and dry air cause the aerials to shrivel and die. You can see from the video above that a lush canopy can provide its own sun protection for aerial root development. In my area there is enough humidity outside, but when indoors in winter I have to run a humidifier in my grow room. You might like the websites fukubonsai and bonsaihunk. ez

Thank you for all of your comments and advice and I'll try them out once my sister gives me another cutting! Sadly, this morning my cat broke into the closet where I had put them overnight (we had a downpour here and I didn't want the plants to drown) and bit the leaf cluster off the one remaining, so I think they're done for until I can get a new cutting . . .

Hmm: Majid jafari just posted exact same words that I had written a while back in this thread. And then a link to some power tools in Arabic, I think. Strange world. Dave, I have yet to post the basil pictures but my camera's proprietary usb cable stopped working and a new one is due today. There may be a bit of miscommunication regarding the dry soil suggestion. It is easier to remove a plant from its pot when the soil is a bit on the dry side. Especially it is a clay pot. The reason is that the soil shrinks a bit when it is dry and detaches from the pot - mainly on the sides of the pot. It also makes it easier to chop the roots and rake them when it is a bit on the dry side. This works for up-potting since it is much quicker and the remaining roots are never let to dry out completely. For bare rooting I would mist it frequently or put it in a bucket of water after the initial removal of roots. However, it is never a good idea to take a plant out of the pot and let it dry in open air. Even for succulents as long it has any fine roots. Vernakay: Take cuttings and root them. If the plant is really droopy remove some of the leaves to reduce its water needs. I would take out at least 50%. Water the plant very well and let it drain out. Tilt the pot at 45 degrees to drain out excess water. Cover the rest of the plant in a large enough clear plastic bag to make a mini greenhouse of sorts. If needed prop up the bag using a few sticks in the soil so that most of the leaves/branches do not touch the bag. Tie the bottom of the bag to the pot loosely. For large plants I wrap a drop cloth. Poke a few holes in the bag so excess humidity can escape. Every day open the bag for 10-15 minutes. Leave the plant in a very bright area out of direct sunlight. And then hope for the best. I have revived many plants (not all) from near death like this and it may also work for you.