Question
I've had this plant for 3 years and it appears to be happy.  But it is getting top heavy and also suddenly has suckers on it's trunk.

What should I do, do I remove the suckers or what.  (Can I repot them?) Do I trim it, stake it or repot it.  I did repotted it this spring to an 8" pot.

Thank You very much.  

Answer
Dear Audrey,

I am not familiar with Dracaena Pamela but can give you overall advice for the Dracaena/Cordyline family. You obviously are treating it well for it to look happy, so well done.

Firstly by suckers I assume you mean side shoots?  As regards the plant being top heavy, since you have already repotted it this year I would tie it to a good strong bamboo stake - these plants do, as you know, lose their lower leaves and therefore as they grow taller will become rather unwieldly.

I have a tall Dracaena marginata which I have staked and placed in a corner so that it has the support of the wall - so far so good!  Neither of my dracaenas have ever sent out side shoots from the main trunk but they have grown directly from the root ball through the earth.  I would be inclined to leave well alone and watch them develop.

If you feel that your plant looks unattractive with all the leaves at the top you can remove the crown, dip the cut end in rooting powder and plant in potting compost.  You could then cut the stem down to just above the first side shoot and take stem cuttings two or three inches long.  You will then have several potential new plants.

If you keep it as it is then next Spring repot into a larger pot.

If you need any further advice please don't hesitate to ask.

Diana