Question
QUESTION: We live in Lanse, Mi in the Up. I inherited the above in the fall. I have it in a window for light and sun(when out) and water it lightly. The leaves have fallen off but new leaves are coming.  Do I cut it down or leave it alone?  It was beautiful when I got it!

ANSWER: Hi Joanne, defoliation can be from a number of reasons; but I find that most indoor plants defoliate when accosted by spider mites, check real close (magnifying glass if you have one) for small webs and little red dots, if not then it just shocked from probably the change of location; you didn't mention what type or size container it was in, most of the time when you purchase a new plant, it is meant to be changed out of the transient container into a new one with new medium and drainage medium lining the bottom. regards Nick

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QUESTION: I took it to a local greenhouse and had it repotted and new medium.  I don't see any mites but am still wondering if it should be cut down or left alone. It was outside this summer and probably our colder temps. don't help.

Answer
Ok good! Mands are like Allamandas, they are vines that can be cut back at any time without harming them, in fact this will often spur new healthy growth, watch for mites though, because they love the dry, warm, atmosphere of a home and will wreck havoc if not controlled....regards and good luck! Nick