Question
My diffenbachia, which I have been propagating for about 30 years, has gone wild this time. Usually they've been spindly, sickly plants. This time I cut off the top, put it in water until it rooted, then potted it. Now, it has a nice thick stem, huge leaves, is about 5 feet tall and almost as wide! I love it and hate to lose it, but...what to do? Pieces of it have been passed on to family, but I feel mine is the original, and I'm now afraid to cut it. What's the safest way to kind of start over, and end up with a strong, healthy, but smaller plant?


Answer
Hi Betty,

By smaller, I am going to assume you mean shorter. Dieffenbachias do grow very tall and start to tip over and even break under their own weight.

Fortunately, they respond very well to major pruning. I suggest that you prune the stem(s) back to a height of 6-12 inches. Within a few weeks you will see new growth emerge just below where you made the pruning cut. It will then grow upward from there.

Meanwhile to topped off portion can be rooted in water or in a separate pot.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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