Question
I have a plant in my office. I would categorize as a tropical plant. It is treelike with a stem of about 2-3" in diameter. The leaves are long and skinny about 16"long and 1/2" wide. It has grown all the way to our 12' ceilings and is bending over at the top. I don't know the name and want to know what to do with it! It grows from the top and the bottom leaves fall off occassionally. Any help you could provide would be MUCH appreciated!

Answer
Hi Noelle,

From your brief description, I believe you have some species of Dracaena. If you would like to e-mail a photo to my address below, I can provide a specific ID for you.

You can definitely prune it back. You can cut the stem at any point (use sharp pruners). Just understand that the point where you cut is the point where the new growth will emerge and grow straight up from there. Thus, if you cut off only the top 12 inches, then the plant will soon be up against the ceiling again. You will probably want to prune off at least two feet or more.

The pruned off section can be rooted in damp soil in the base of the existing plant or in a separate pot.

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

Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

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