"John Ladasky" wrote in message
oups.com...
On Oct 29, 7:47 am, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote:
"John Ladasky" wrote in message

s.com...

On Oct 28, 7:41 pm, "JoeSpareBedroom" wrote:
"John Ladasky" wrote in message

Is the ring on the plant, or on the soil around the plant?

Hi, Joe,

The infestation is on the bark of the tree. There does not appear to
be any infestation in the soil.

I'd wipe it off with a solution of ordinary vinegar, diluted 50/50 with
water. Then, wait & see if it returns. Meanwhile, back off on the water
if
the plant has less leaf surface than you think it should.

Hello again, Joe,

I tried your advice about 10 days ago. So far, the fungus hasn't
surged back after I wiped it off. However, the trunk is still a bit
discolored, whitish, where I did the wiping. I also learned that the
bark where the fungus has attacked my little tree is delicate to
nonexistent. That explains the droopy leaves -- the tree is nearly
girdled.

This tree is really small. The trunk isn't even as thick as a pencil,
and it's under a foot tall. It's a shame, but I might still lose it.
Is there an inexpensive way to mimic the missing bark, while I coax
the tree to recover?

Mimic it how? Functionally? No. But, various things can make life difficult
for fungus. More light, more air circulation, higher temps.