>>1209169Check very closely on the branches and look for scale insects. They often times look like part of the plant so check pics online. Normally, the black stuff is black mold growing on the sugary excretions of scale insects. Scale insects are devastating. Aphids cause black mold to grow in the same manner, but those are easy to water hose off. Scale insects are a major pain to dislodge by hand.
>>1209186Lots of people do it already. You just need knowledge and the will to do it. It is no more difficult than doing anything else.
>>1209193There's not too much to know really. They are really easy plants. Keep them warm above 55F/18C as best you can. Prune them to maintain whatever shape or style you want; if you want to prune them.
