Question
In a moment of madness I lopped off the top, down to about 6 inches, of my 25 year old coffee tree, which I have been growing as a house plant since my college days. I was hoping that it would shoot up new growth from the main stem. I have done this before, but realized too late that in the past I had cut it down to just above where the first branching occurred - this time I went lower. After 3 weeks I see no changes. Is there any chance that my beloved tree will grow back, or have I killed it? Also, at the time I put some branch cuttings in a glass of water hoping that they would sprout roots. Again, nothing, but they also haven't died yet. Is there any way to start a new coffee tree from them? Thanks so much for your help.

Answer
Hi Sue,
Thanx for your question.  I guess if you cut it back down past the last limb, you may have done the tree in.  I would wait a couple of months to make sure it doesn't bud out somewhere.  A lot of trees have a habit of trying to grow even when lopped off near the soil.  So, I would not give up now.  Keep taking care of it as you always did for the next couple of months and let's see what happens.  As for the cuttings?  If they are still alive, strip off all but the last 2 or three leaves.  The thickness of the cutting should be no bigger than a pencil and the length should be no more than 6 inches.  I would recut the ends to expose new tissue and dip this into a rooting hormone recommended for trees.  You can find the rooting hormones at most fully-stocked nurseries.  Consult with the proprietor for the exact strength.  Now, you want to take a large pot and fill it with warm, damp sand.  Stick your cuttings, cut end down, into the sand about 2 inches.  Leave the cuttings in the sand and place a clear plastic bag over the pot and cuttings to maintain humidity.  Bottom heat helps too.  Use a horticultural heating mat for that.  Rooting can be very, very slow.  It should begin within 8 weeks but it may take longer.  I've never tried to root a coffee tree cutting before.  Some cuttings are easier than others.  When you see new leaves start emerging from the cuttings, you know you have roots.  Probe gently around the cuttting with a pencil to look for roots after a couple months.  Keep the environment warm and damp.  I hope this helps.
Tom