Question
Hello Miss Hamilton.

I have a question about my nephthytis.  It is growing in a very un-controlled manner, and I was wondering how, exactly, I should tame it.  There seems to be a vine forming out of one side of it, and I was wondering if I would somehow be able to get a new start off it.  If so, how would I get it?  Should I put another pot of dirt beside it and position the new vine so it touches the dirt?  Should I pinch it off and start it in either a new pot of soil or a glass of water?  Seriously, this plant is becoming a mini-jungle.  I really don't want to accidentally kill it by trying to tame it.  

Any advice would be appreciated.

Sincerely,
Tracy

Answer
Good morning Tracy,

Glad to hear your plant is doing so well!  This plant is almost like two plants in the same pot since the young leaves are borne on erect stalks but the older stems acquire a climbing habit and need support.

What you need to do is give it a good strong support and I suggest a moss stick which you can buy from a garden centre or florist.  They are available in different lengths and thicknesses.  Arrange the climbing stems around the pole until you are pleased with the effect leaving the ends of the stems free.  The aerial roots will then attach themselves to the moss stick in time. You may wish to propagate the plant by cutting off an unruly stem or two which have aerial roots and these can then be potted up.  If you are going to take stem cuttings then now is the time to do it.

You may decide that you don't really like the climbing effect but prefer the young erect stems and in this case cut off all the climbing stems - you can then propagate lots of new plants, lovely presents for your friends!

Your plant requires warmth, no direct sunlight and moist air so keep the compost moist and frequently mist the entire plant which will also help to keep insects at bay and freshen up the plant now and then.

Hopefully the above will be of use to you and long may your plant climb up its moss stick!

Diana