Question
I have an aralia that has grown outside in a pot to almost 10 feet tall - surprising since it is subjected to high heat, humidity and afternoon sun.  I am going to have to prune it back and am wondering how it should be pruned.  There are many shorter stalks coming up and it rarely loses leaves.  Thank you for your response to the pruning question

Answer
Hi Trudy, cut back the longer stems to the  next joining stem (axil) this will encourage a more bushy look. You can also cut the taller ones right back to the ground if you want. Bottom line here, is don't worry about hurting your plant, pruning is not going to, lack of adequate water will. Nick