Question
I have been searching quite a while to see if Pachypodiums tops can be cut off and found your site. I have a much loved Pachy (gaeyii? Can't remember the spelling) but it has gotten so big I don't know what I will do with it! It is approximately 7.5' tall without the pot - I have had this thing since my son was little bitty and now he is 22! It is going to scrape the ceiling this year, I'm sure of it! I know I need to lop it off, but I'm afraid I will kill it. How and when must this be done? Should I use hormone powder of any kind on it once the deed is done? Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!

Jill Kramer

Answer
Jill,

I would try air layering it. I have cut one off and the top nor the bottom survived. If your try air layering it you have at least a 50-50 chance that it will survive. I would do it outside in a shady location and keep the plant on the dry side while you are air layering it.  You can get instructions for air layering at the following sites.

http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/earthkind/landscape/air-layering/

http://www.instructables.com/id/Propagating-Plants-by-Air-Layering/

http://www.learn2grow.com/gardeningguides/propagation/techniques/LearnHowToAirLa

Good luck!

Darlene