Question
Early this summer I bought a Polka Dot plant from my local green house for my office.  It has been flowering and throwing off seeds for the last two months.  I always remove the dead flowers and it seems to be thriving.  It is now about 18 inches in height and about two feet wide.  I love the plant but it is getting a bit out of control.  What is the best way to trim back the plant but still promote growth.  Also, I have a frequent customer who always comments they love the plant would there be a way to take and root any cuttings into a fresh pot for her?

Answer
Mel

Polka-Dot plants can be easily propagated by seed or cuttings in spring or summer...Get to your local garden center and buy a good potting soil mix (pots too if you need them)...Quiz them on Polka-dot plant propagation and care while there...

Whether started by seed or cuttings you will want to keep your new plant's potting mix evenly moist...Provide them with bright light preferably indirect sunlight or indoor grow lights. These plants also prefer temperatures between 65 and 80 degrees...Cuttings may be taken nearly anytime...Polka dot plant cuttings can be taken from any part of the plant, but should be at least 4-6" long. Make a cut on the stem of a branch slightly above (1/4" - 1/2") where a leaf is connected...You can also prune them back this way to control their size...

Wet the soil in the pot 1st...Poke a hole (with a pencil or other object) in to the damp potting mix...Firm the base of the cutting into the soil with your fingers...You could also seed over the potting mix to propagate from seed...Cover the cuttings/seeds with raised clear plastic to maintain heat and humidity...

After that water by weight...Put a saucer under the pot. Water and let the plant sit in the excess water for 5-10 minutes. After that time pour off any excess water in the saucer. Pick up. It should feel heavy. Don't water again until it feels considerably lighter in weight. You an also poke your finger into the soil to make sure it isn't too wet. Watering frequency depends on many factors(sun exposure, type of plant, wind, day temps, etc.). Plants die from too frequent waterings - not from too much water at one time. They can also die from being allowed to be too dry for too long.
You also need to add fertilize on a weekly to monthly basis during the growing season. Ask someone at a local garden center what to use and how to fertilize your plants.
Good Luck and let me know what you think...
Rick in southern NJ