Expert: Will Creed - 9/21/2006

Question
I have had a palm plant for at 30 years and it started off about 6 inched high. It has now grown to the point the any new branch growth hits my ceiling in my living room. I was wondering if there was anything I could do to create a new root system so that I could cut and it down and it would continue to have space to grow. Any suggestions would be appreciated.

Answer
Hi Patti,

Unlike most other plants, true palms cannot be pruned back.  Once the growing tip is removed from a a palm stem, then it stops growing and gradually dies. But if yours is up against the ceiling what choice do you have?

Palm cuttings do not root in water or soil. In general, palms can only be propagated by seed or by dividing the roots.

Sometimes pruning back a palm stem will encourage a new shoot to emerge from the soil, but there is no guarantee that will happen.

There are several plants that appear to be palm-like, but are not palms. Perhaps you have one. If so, then you will have other options, depending on just what the plant is. If you can email a photo to me at my address below, I can identify your plant for you.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

You can E-mail me directly at: wcreed@HorticulturalHelp.com

Visit my web site at www.HorticulturalHelp.com