Question
QUESTION: I have a madagascar palm which is about 23 years old.
I put it outside all summer and bring it indoors in the Fall. It will not fit back into our home after this summer as it has grown approx 10' tall. I have heard you can prune the top off. Do you know anything about pruning? How it should be done and the success rate?
Thank  you
Susan

ANSWER: Susan,

Where do you live? Does your plant have several arms on it or just the main trunk? Are you thinking of taking the top off and rooting that and keeping it to grow and throwing the old base away? Or are you thinking of pruning the top off and keeping the base and pitching the top? I am not suree what would work best, I have a small one that I love but I have a friend who is more of a succulent expert than I am. I know the first question he will ask me is where you live so let me know and I will discuss your tree with him. We have plenty of time until fall but right now is the best time to do most of these procedures so let me know and I will discuss it with Ed.

Darlene

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Thanks for the quick reply! I live in Brantford, Ontario, Canada. We get about 8 - 10 weeks of hot humid weather in the summer. The palm is outside right now and starting to sprout it's leaves on top as it does every summmer as soon as I put it out. It has only 1 main trunk. I really don't have a plan because I am not sure what to do. Hopefully you're friend who is a succulent expert will have some advise now that you know the climate.
Thanks!
Susan Place

Answer
Susan,

I will be seeing Ed this Saturday and will discuss your problem with him. In the meantime I suggest that you go to this website and ask this gentleman your guestion by email:

http://www.bobsmoleys.com/

He is probably the best qualified person to answer your question if he will. I have purchased several succulents from him. I will get back with you again on Saturday after I discuss your plant with Ed.

Darlene