Question
I have one simple question, I have a plant on my desk and it just keeps growing up and up and up, I wanted to know if I can cut the top off and root it and plant it. This plant use to have multiple stalks but at one point I was over watering it and the other died. Thanks in advance for any help. I will also send you a picture of the plant, since I have no idea what type of plant it is.

Answer
Hi Tommy,

I am not very good at giving simple answers, but if you want one, the answer is, "yes!"

Thanks for the photos. Your plant is a Schefflera arboricola and it looks very healthy and well-cared for.

For best results, propagate your plant by cutting off the top 8 inches of stem, remove the lowest set of leaves and then insert the cutting into a small pot filled with a damp potting mix. Put the plant and pot inside of a clear plastic bag that is sealed to keep the moisture in. Provide lots of bright, but indirect, light.

Leave it for about a month and then gradually open up and remove the plastic cover over the course of a week. By then, your cutting should have a good set of roots.

New growth will emerge on the existing plant at a point just below where you made the pruning cut and grow upward from there. If you want to make it shorter than that to give it more growing room, then cut off any amount more of the stem.

Note: Only tip cuttings root well in the manner I have described, so resist the temptation to cut off a larger section to root.

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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