Question
QUESTION: Hi; I have a Yucca houseplant that is at least 20+ years old.  In the past, I "graphed" the plant when it got too tall.  It has reached that height again.  However, I have aged as well as the plant, and for the life of me I can not remember how to make this beauty "shorter" without damaging it.  I would love some suggestions. This plant has sentimental value to me.   Thanks much for your help.

ANSWER: Hi Maureen,
Thanx for your question.  I don't know what you mean by graphed do you mean "grafted"?  Do you know exactly what kind of yucca it is?  I need to know what kind of plant or can you direct me to a picture of a plant similar to it before I answer your question?  Would you describe what you mean by "graphed"?
thx,
Tom

---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Tom; I am not very good at the picture thing. However, I went to goolge images (yucca houseplants) and the first picture that came up is the type I have.  I realized after I sent message to you that my "graph" was the wrong type.  I don't recall much as it has been a very long time.  However, I seem to remember slicing off the top and then making a slit in the trunk - the rest fails me.  I guess at this point, I may have the wrong plant!  BUT, I still would very much appreciate info, on how to cut this beauty back.  Let me know if I can provide more details. Maureen

Answer
Hi Maureen,
Without knowing the type of plant you have I can only guess.  I think you have a type of dracaena.  Is it a long woody stem with yucca like leaves at the top and can get very tall over the years?  I also think you are talking about grafting and yes grafting would mean slicing a piece off of the plant and then making a slit in the trunk and sliding the cut piece in.  This is how fruit trees are grafted.  I've included a website about grafting.  I'm sorry but not knowing the variety of plant you have, I can't really say but only guess what can be done.  Here is a website from North Carolina State University that is very good.

http://www.ces.ncsu.edu/depts/hort/hil/ag396.html

 I hope this helps.
Tom