Question
I have a defenbachia that has grown to my ceiling. It was repotted to a 2 ft. pot about a year ago.  It is doing great and has several new plants or shoots emerging from the soil. My question is: the main large shoot that has grown to touch the ceilling, can I cut it off? If I can where do I cut it below the leaves on the stem?  Can I root and replant what I have cut off?  I am not concerned about losing the main stem as long as cutting it does not kill the whole plant as there are several good sized shoots comming up around the original stem.

Answer
Hi Shelley,

Dieffenbachias are notorious for outgrowing their spaces. Often they lean and require support before they reach the ceiling. The cure for both overgrowth and leaning is pruning. Pruning not only solves these problems, but it actually benefits the plant. New growth will emerge from a point on the stem just below where you make the pruning cut. So if you want new growth to start low, then you should prune back to about a foot above the soil.

The pruned off top can be rooted in plain water, in the base of the plant, or in a separate small pot filled with damp potting mix.

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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