Question
I have a plant at my office that I inherited.  I have no idea what it is.

It has grown a lot recently and has started to lean over.  I know that it needs a bigger pot and better stakes, but at the rate it's going it will reach the ceiling before long and I don't have that much room.  I would like to trim it down somehow, but I don't want to kill it in the process.

Could you tell me what kind of plant it is, whether or not I can trim it, and if so, can the removed pieces be rooted to start new plants?

Any help would be appreciated!  I am e-mailing you pictures.  

Answer
Hi Melanie,

Thanks for sending the photos.

Your plant is a Dieffenbachia or "dumb cane." The latter name relates to the fact that this toxic plant will numb sensitive mucous membranes in the mouth when eaten, causing the mouth tissue to swell and rendering the person unable to speak and thereby striking them dumb. But not to worry; as long as you don't have pets or toddlers inclined to munch on plants, this plant is completely harmless.

Dieffenbachias are notorious for growing very tall and then  bending over under the weight of their own heavy leaves. The best solution is to prune them back before they get that tall. But it is not to late to prune yours back.

You can prune the main stem at any point. New growth will emerge just below the point on the stem where you make the pruning cut. I suggest pruning it back to a height of 1-2 feet. I know that will leave nothing but a bare stub, but it will soon push out new leaves and grow up from there. Pruning does not harm the plant or affect its growth; it only alters its appearance

The pruned off top portion can be rooted at the base of the plant by digging a hole in the soil large enough to insert about 6 inches of stem. Then you will have two stems growing in the pot, creating a fuller more compact p[lant.

Do NOT repot your plant - it is fine in its existing pot and probably will be for as long as you have it. After pruning, you should be able to throw away the stakes rather than replacing them. Who wants to look at stakes?!  

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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