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#57496 Jun 3rd, 2007 at 06:03 PM
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Chelle Offline OP
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Hi there! I so appreciate any help you all have to offer. =)
I have this little palm tree that a friend gave me about 4 years ago. It has grown a lot but is no longer looking so pretty. When I first got it, it had 5 little 'branches', the leaves were green with white in the middle and red on the outer part.

I have repotted it twice I think? The original pot was tiny and it looked root bound.

What can I do to help this guy? Is it possible to restore him to his previous beauty?

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I usually put it on the deck in the summer and keep it inside at a western window the rest of the time. It gets lots of light at the western window (southern window nearby). On the deck it may get too much hot sun? I try to keep it a little shaded with our table or umbrella.


Chelle #57501 Jun 3rd, 2007 at 06:15 PM
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looks like a variety of dracaena. i'd start by cutting the branches back, one at the time. if you cut one, just above where it branches out, it will get new growth on that nub. then, after there is new growth there, cut the next one. and so on. cut the driest/brownest first, and work to the green one.

and yes, it looks like it has a sunburn. but, if you cut it back, the new growth will be used to the sun. when you move plants in and out, you have to do it in stages or the plants will go into shock.

Chelle #57503 Jun 3rd, 2007 at 06:17 PM
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Hi Chelle - welcome!

That looks like a dracaena to me, and I believe it does NOT like full, direct sun. You can cut the trunks back, and new shoots will grow out of the tips - usually 2 new areas from each tip. You can also clean up the dried out leaves and plant the trunks if you decide to cut them back.

Let's see if others agree with me here on this, before you go ahead and cut it - just to make sure!


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Well then... Jiffy posted the same thing as I was writing - thanks Jiffy!!!


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thumbup lynne, glad we were on the same page! lol

#57541 Jun 3rd, 2007 at 06:52 PM
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Chelle Offline OP
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Thanks for responding so fast. I will move it to under the deck where my hostas grow well.

As for cutting... I cut one of the branches a few years ago. It never did have any new growth. So I've been too scared to cut again. But... I guess it can't get too much worse.

So, just to clarify, I just cut it with sharp scissors right about where it branches out from the main trunk?

Chelle #57542 Jun 3rd, 2007 at 06:55 PM
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i use a clean sharp knife, and you want to leave about an inch or so above the branch. if you cut right on the branch, it won't have any growth rings to grow from. you want about 2-3 leaf nodes, the rings around it, left on the branch.

and where the hostas grow will be a great place for it.

#57557 Jun 3rd, 2007 at 07:15 PM
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Alright. I'll give it a try.

Should I try to plant the new trunk? And if so, how do I do that?

Chelle #57597 Jun 3rd, 2007 at 09:05 PM
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you can just stick it in the soil in the pot that the main part is in...or put it in a new pot.


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Joclyn #58546 Jun 5th, 2007 at 08:59 AM
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Too much sun , too quick.

take it in the shade and cut off the leaves.


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PS... My horse isn't here, this is my Nitemare..
dodge #59590 Jun 6th, 2007 at 05:17 PM
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I love the sweet scents wafting in the breeze. I stop to admire the vibrant colors of all living things. And people think me odd. Then ODD I am!!!


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