Question
Thank you so much for your prompt response.  I think I will take your advice and cut off the top three feet.  Can I root the piece I cut off?  How big a pot should I plant the old plant in?  Thanks again............
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-----Question-----
I have a schleffera(brassaia arboricola variegata).  It is in a 10" pot and gets plenty of light and not too much water.  It's growing well, however has reached a height of about six feet and I need a longer stake to keep it from falling over.  Any novel ideas?  Thanks...............
-----Answer-----
Linda,

If it were mine I would prune it. I would cut the top 3 ' off. That would cause it to branch out more and be more bushy.

Your only other choice is to find an 8 foot or longer bamboo fishing pole and cut a whole in the roof. You would also have to put it in a heavier pot. Good luck.

Darlene

Answer
Linda,

It is very difficult to root schefflera cuttings but easy to air layer them off. Air layering instructions are at:
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/ornamentals/airlayer/airlayer.html

I would not repot it. Scheffs are really healthier slightly rootbound. In any case if you want to repot it do not do it before April 1st when the days are longer and then do not move it to a pot larger than 12 inches. Plant's should never be moved to a pot more than 2 inches larger than the old pot.

If you have already cut it off and want to try to root it you can cut 2/3rds of each leaflet off, dip it in rooting hormone and insert it in a pot of 1/2 potting soil and 1/2 sand. Then insert the pot in a crear plastic bag and set it in a sunny location. You have a 50/50 chance that it will root. Air layering is usually 100 % successful. Good luck.

Darlene