Hi Joe,

Variegated Ming Aralia

Your plant is a variegated ming Aralia. (POLYSCIAS FRUTICOSA). It sounds like the plant is  definitely being over- watered. Too much water, resulting in root rot, is the main reason Aralia plants die. Allow the top 50% of the soil to dry out before watering  In low light conditions, an Aralia may need water as little as every 2-3 weeks. Aralia plants can survive in low light conditions, but grow faster and produce more leaves in medium to light, especially this variegated variety that your friend has. An Aralia  requires very little fertilizer. Feed every other month when it’s actively growing with a plant food high in nitrogen at 1/2 the recommended strength. You can read all my care tips for a Ming Aralia in the Popular Houseplants section of the website. The picture is of the solid green variety, but the care is the same.

https://www.houseplant411.com/houseplant/ming-aralia-how-to-grow-care

These plants are considered poisonousPlants are a great addition to homes and offices, but it’s important to know whether your plants are dangerous to children, pets, or even adults. Some plants contain chemicals such as oxalates, solanine, glycosides, or alkaloid lycorine that may cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, swelling and redness of the mouth, throat, and lips, and trouble breathing. Touching parts of certain plants, especially the sap, may cause various skin irritations. The weight and age of the human or pet involved, and the part and amount of plant eaten determine how severe the reaction to the toxins will be. Although plants may be listed as non-toxic, they can still cause individual allergic reactions. If there is any question after a houseplant has been ingested or touched immediately call the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 The Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants [Paperback]is an excellent reference to keep around if you have young children and pets. and should be kept away from pets and children. Read more about common houseplants that are poisonousPlants are a great addition to homes and offices, but it’s important to know whether your plants are dangerous to children, pets, or even adults. Some plants contain chemicals such as oxalates, solanine, glycosides, or alkaloid lycorine that may cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, swelling and redness of the mouth, throat, and lips, and trouble breathing. Touching parts of certain plants, especially the sap, may cause various skin irritations. The weight and age of the human or pet involved, and the part and amount of plant eaten determine how severe the reaction to the toxins will be. Although plants may be listed as non-toxic, they can still cause individual allergic reactions. If there is any question after a houseplant has been ingested or touched immediately call the Poison Control Center 1-800-222-1222 The Handbook of Poisonous and Injurious Plants [Paperback]is an excellent reference to keep around if you have young children and pets. in Don’t Feed Me To Your Cat! A Guide to Poisonous Houseplants