Dieffenbachia Pruning

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jewelsbyshari Davenport, IA Jan 24, 2012

Hi all, I was just wondering...

.. If I prune the new growth of from my dieffenbachia, will it force the cane to become thicker at all? If not, is there a way to force it to become thicker before it gets very tall? Right now they are about 14 inches.

Thanks,

-Shari

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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Jan 24, 2012

If it's growing tall and skinny, most likely it needs more light. Too little light often causes plants to grow taller & more spindly as they stretch for the light.

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jewelsbyshari Davenport, IA Jan 24, 2012

Thank you. I've seen many photos if them staked up, so I was hoping there was a way to ensure they won't need to be staked and can get tall and full on their own. If it's just a light issue, then great!

Thanks again.

-shari

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tapla Bay City, MI(Zone 6a) Jan 24, 2012

As a bonsai practitioner, I can tell you that a fat trunk is best obtained by giving the plant all the light it will tolerate and not pruning it at all. The more leaves you have making food, the faster the plant will lay down cells in the cambium and fatten the trunk and branches. In addition, there is a trick we use to build fat trunks and build taper into the trunk to help make the plant look old.

I might take an elm tree that is 10 ft tall, and cut it off 3" above the soil line. The stub will bud back. I'll then remove all but 1 branch from the back-budding and let that grow very tall - to 8-10 feet, then I will cut that trunk back to about 3" above the previous cut off point. As the trunk grows taller, it fattens the part I'm going to keep as part of my tree. I'll end up with a tree with a 4-6" trunk that is less than 12" tall. From there, I'll start to build a true, quality bonsai.

You can employ a similar technique for your houseplants. When they get too tall, simply cut them back. They will; back-bud & push new branches. Select one branch you think enhances the appearance of the plant and train it upward & let it grow freely. The rest of the branches get removed or cut short. This will result in a short stout plant with a thick stem and lots of foliage.

Al

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jewelsbyshari Davenport, IA Jan 24, 2012

Great info, thanks!!

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