Expert: Greg Simpson - 8/7/2006

Question
My plant is long and I would like to grow it shorter with more branches. I am thinking of cutting the main trunk ,but I am unsure of how far down tword the bulb I can cut. here is a Link to a picture that is very similar to mine except that mine is even longer that this one http://www.aridlands.com/catalog/product_info.php?cPath=46&products_id=327

Answer
Dear Dino,

Pachypodium saundersii is rather thick stemmed, especially near the base. They also branch from the base and sometimes higher up. I would trim it where the stem is about the width of your pinky finger. Cut it at a slight angle, which should encourage it to branch at that point. If you are looking for a large caudex forming Pachypodium, look for P. succulentum or P. bispinosum. Hope this helps.

Sincerely,

Greg