false aralia

[owner2]

i've had a false aralia now for about 20 years.i've never done anything to it except let it grow so now it resembles a small palm tree!it's nearly at roof height though.can i prune it?i don't want to do anything to harm it as it's become part of the family.

[skylight]

It wont do it any harm. Take some snippers and cut above a leave joint. Do this on all stems that require shortening. cheers skylight

[owner2]

it's only got one stem.that's part of the problem.

[skylight]

Has it got a bare stem with just tufts at the top?

[skylight]

If it has only a bare stem with no other shoots, I would be a bit worried about cutting it back - it would mean taking off its whole head and I think it may be fatal! On saying that you could maybe try air-layering it see http://www.powen.freeserve.co.uk/advanced/Prop agation/Airlayering.htm. I dont think I've been much help but maybe other ABers have some advice for you. You could always buy another house with higher ceilings!!!!!! cheers skylight

[owner2]

I would say that the stem is about 5ft with no leaves at all but the top part of the plant is very strong with lots of very thick leaves.i could cut it back slightly when it reaches the ceiling so that it spreads out a little.i should really have asked this question 20 years ago!thanks for your help anyway.