Question
We recently sold our house where we had nurtured a split leaf for 10 years.  It is nearly 9' tall and close to 14' wide.  The buyer said we were welcome to take a cutting with us to our  new house, but we do not know how to do this. Should we wait till spring when it is much smaller, coming back from the winter, or now while it is at it's full size and how do we do it? What do we cut off?

Answer
Shellie, you are better off waiting until spring when the plant produces new growth. Cuttings always work best from new growth. Simply cut a tender shoot that is at least six inches long. Avoid woody growth. Remove the lower sets of leaves. Dip the cutting in a rooting compound. You can purchase this product at any garden center. Stick the cutting one inch into a good potting mix. Be sure to thoroughly wet the soil prior to planting.

Finally, cover the pot with a clear piece of lightweight plastic. Place the pot in indirect sunlight on an east window seal or under fluorescent lighting. After two weeks, check to see if the plant has rooted by slightly pulling on the stem. If you feel resistance, remove the plastic covering and be sure to keep the soil moist. The plant should then be treated as any other seedling.

I hope this answered your question. Please write again if I can ever provide assistance.

Regards,

Mike