Question
QUESTION: I have an above named plant bought in 1964 (at the NY worlds fair).  The leaves are at the top of the stems, which are about 5-6 feet from the bark.  The bark on the stems are bare.  How can I get leaves growing on the stems.  The plant is in a 24 inch pot for the last 6-10 years.   I water it approx. every 3 weeks and fertilize maybe 2/3 times a year.

ANSWER: Hi Richard, because of its age, it has developed into a lanky specimen, this is typical growth pattern for this type of plant; you really can't get it to grow anything on the bare trunk, but you can cut it back and start a new plant from the top cutting and then the mother plant will send out a new growth from the area that was cut. Put the top cutting in a container with some moist potting soil, then only water when it has dried out, it should take about a month or so to start setting new roots. regards Nick

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QUESTION: could I speak with the expert.  I am not sure how high up on the stem to cut (of the mother plant) and also, if I want to replant the top part, how do I do it.  I don't want to mess it up, as I only have one shot.

Answer
Hey Richard, ok, you can cut it as high or low as you want, you really can't hurt the plant; it will send out new growth from just below the cut in a form of a new stem. Now, the top part you cut off, strip away most the leaves until you have the desired crown, let it callous over (the end) for a couple of days and then plant it where you want right in the ground or container, again, you really can't mess it up, these canes are very forgiving....the process for the parent plant to send out new growth will be slow, especially this time of year, so be patient. regards Nick:)