Question
I saw your answer about leaf drop. Thanks for tip. I had started to water my dwarf umbrella trees a bit too frequently, I think, and will go back to once every 7 to 10 days.

My question involves propagation. I have two dwarf umbrella trees that have done exceptionally well (especially for me - my gardening skills are limited). There are some stems, however, that have 5 inches of bare stem at the top (plants are about 40 - 46 inches high), and now I'm getting lots of new growth coming for the tops of the stems (but nothing below). Can I safely cut these stems to prevent top heavy growth? If I do cut them, can they be propagated into new plants? I really love these trees!

Thanks for any help or insight you can offer.

Denise  

Answer
Hi Denise,

Yes, pruning off the tops of the stems is a very good idea because it will help keep the trees looking more compact. New growth will emerge just below the point of the cut on each stem. If you want more growth down low, then you may want to prune some of the stems further down than you indicated. Cut a few stems and watch to see where the new growth develops. This will help you make pruning decisions in the future so that you can shape the trees as you please.

Tip cuttings - about six inches in length with three inches of bare stem - are best propagated in moist potting mix in a small pot. The pot and cuttings should be enveloped inside a sealed clear plastic bag. The plastic will maintain the moisture in the soil and in the air surrounding the cuttings. After about one month, you can gradually open and remove the plastic bag over the course of a week. By then the cuttings should have developed roots and be able to survive on their own.

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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