Question
I have a Tropic Snow Dieffenbachia that is now approx 3 feet tall. All of the foliage is at the top so it's very top heavy. I would like to cut it back and use the top part to start another plant. Can you advise how to do this. Pot in soil? In water? use any powders to promote root growth.  Appreciate as much as you can tell me. Thanks much.


Answer
Hi Jack,

I can tell you everything you want to know about propagating plants in my article on plant propagation that I can email to you (or anyone else) if you send a request to my email address below.

Here are the basics for your Dieffenbachia. They are one of the easier plants to root in soil.

The top can be cut off at any point along the stem. New growth will emerge on the old stem just below where you make the cut.

The top portion will root pretty easily in the soil at the base of the plant or in its own small pot filled with a porous, peat-based potting mix. The rooting powders may help a bit, but I haven't found them to be worth the money.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.
   
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]

Visit my web site at www.HorticulturalHelp.com

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