Tuesday, April 28, 2009

Can I cut my 9 feet Dieffenbachia in half? it's getting too big for my hous.?

I hered that if you cut the plant,it's going to die.

Can I cut my 9 feet Dieffenbachia in half? it's getting too big for my hous.?
Yes. Just chop it off. You may even to be able to start the piece by letting it scar over and then plant it at least one node deep with the leaves removed at that point into fresh potting soil. If there's a node that is pushing out aerial roots then get them underground in the new pot to get a headstart on growing.





The Muse
Reply:Yes you can cut it back. I find the best method for cutting back large houseplants is air layering.


You will need some sphagnum moss, a piece of plastic approx. 12 inches x 18 inches long, and twist ties or old nylon ties.


Pick a spot on the stack 8 to 16 inches below the leaves at the top of the plant. Make an upward incision at a 45 degree angle. DO NOT CUT ALL THE WAY THROUGH. Taking the back of your knife push moistened moss into the cut. Taking the plastic make a pocket over the incision in which you will pack more moisened moss. This pocket will be sealed at the bottom and top with the twist ties or nylon. Keep the moss moist and over time root will begin to form. When you can see roots in the pocket, you can cut the plant off just below that level and plant it in a new pot.


You can throw the other part away or if you want more plants you can repeat the process.


If you need more information contact your local Extension office.


Good Luck.
Reply:Yes, you can cut it. In fact my mother in law had a big beautiful one for years. About every 2 years she had to cut it back. I think she called our local home and garden store to be told how to do it.....And it did fine. She really cut it back low.........It took about 2-3 months for it to look like it was growing again.....but it always looked great! Good luck!


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