Forums Forums Enthusiast Forums A - Z Gardening House plant pruneing advice needed.

I have had this for nearly 10 years. I don't know what type of plant it is but I want to chop it to half its height as its grown into a monster and has to lean against the wall to stay upright. If I cut it half way will I kill it?. Is there a sensible way to go about it?. I will be grateful if anyone has any advice.

Wow, what a triffid in such a tiny plant pot!

If the only new growth comes from the top of the plant, you don't want to cut that off... I think... I'm no expert...

I'd put it in a bigger heavier pot to stop it keeling over.

Thanks for your advice. The last time I put it in a bigger pot it shot up way higher. It might reach the ceiling if I give it a bigger pot again.

Personally I would treat it the same way that I treat rubber plants ie

a. look for a point on the main stem where it changes from green to brown/ woody

typically that will be where the growth has been this year and about 12" from the top

b. cut it through one or two leaf junctions BELOW that point

c. on the piece you have cut off tear off (not cut off) the leaves up to about the point where the green and brown meet

If the plant produces a white (latex) sap when you cut it then beware - it makes a terrible mess of clothes and carpets. Also, let that cut dry for about an hour before the next step

d. sprinkle a bit of hormone rooting powder on the end and where you tore off the leaves

e. Put the cut part into a deep plant pot of decent peat based compost so that the compost covers the points where you tore off the leaves. Press the compost down well and give the plant a LITTLE water - half a cup.

f. Stand the plant in good light but not direct sunlight.

DO NOT OVERWATER - an egg cupful every other day or twice a week is ample to start with ie until there are some signs of growth.

With luck you will get a nice new plant. I have been doing this with rubber plants for 30 years. I reckon you get well over 50% of them rooting well and growing into new plants.

Question then is what to do with the old plant? Personally I would do as you say - cut it to half height. THEN give it a good feed. With luck it may branch at the point where you cut it ie produce two heads on each stem

If all else fails - chuck it and buy a new one.

Snod

All the above would be far better done next April/ May so that the (PMSL) the warmer summer weather will encourage the cuttings to root. Well, at least the daylight will be brighter.

Snod

Thanks for your advice Snodvan. I will give that a go. It would be great to get 2 plants out of 1. I have spare pots and fresh soil so I will give it a go. Thanks again.

BUT NOT UNTIL NEXT SPRING!!!!

[quote=Softy_SouthernerBUT NOT UNTIL NEXT SPRING!!!!
[/quote]

lol. Sorry but I am trying to spruce the flat up to put on the market in January so its a case of either sort the plant out or bin it.

Well if you must do it now put the cuttings in a light a place as possible but preferably NOT in direct sun (what is sun?????) all day. I use a west facing window ledge because at this time of the year by the time the sun has moved to the west it has lost the heat intensity.

Snod