Congrats on your happy philly - but first let's deal with the scale. This sucking insect multiplies when plants are stressed and humidity low so that is why you see the population explode in the winter. I think dividing the huge plant would help control the scale because you could cut out the worst of the infected stems and leaves to start fresh. Just take three cuttings from the top of the plants where there is new growth - most likely these will not be infested with scale. Remove the two lowest leaves from each stem cutting exposing the nodes or joints. Insert this cut end into fresh potting soil either in a small pot or a larger pot for all three cuttings to share. If you see any scale-like bumps on the cuttings swab them with a cotton swab dipped in rubbing alcohol. Now mist the new cuttings with water twice a day or cover loosely with a plastic tent to insure high humidity while the plant grows new roots. Dispose of the old plant and keep the old pot away from the new cuttings. By summer you should have three new young plants more resistant to scale. Be sure to use a slow release plant food like Osmocote in the potting soil as a well fed plant is less stressed and more resistant to insects. Keep growing, Marianne Binetti