Plant growing too high

[smurfchops]

I have a very large indoor plant, like a Yucca but with slimmer leaves and stems. It is almost like a tree now and almost touching the ceiling. I am loathe to lop of a branch, but will have to eventually. Would it harm the plant and if I can do it, what time of year should I do it? I know it sounds silly but I don't want to traumatise it .. (I will be talking to it soon ..)

[andyjevs]

Do it now....nearly all plants can be pruned to shape/train them. Be brave and get the saw out !!!

[gardenknowin]

Can you describe it in more detail - i.e. is it just a single stem with bracts (leafy bits) growing from it ( in which case I suggest it is a Cordillyne palm); or does it have branches from the stem with leaves at the ends, in which case it is a relative of the yucca, but can't for the life of me remember its name!  In either case, provided you have kept it in a relatively constant temperature, and continue to do so, it can be pruned at any time of year. If it's a single stem, cut off cleanly about 6 ins below leaf growth, spread some damp hormone rooting powder over the cut and keep the triffid moist - you should see new leaf growth in about 8 weeks. If it's a branching variety, do the same to each branch - but keep the plant moist (don't drown it) Most succulents (bromeliads) have an amazing capacity to re-grow new leaves. If you could furnish more details I could possibly add more info - in the meantime I will search my library for names.

[andyjevs]

Could be one of the dracaena sp such as D. Draco, D. Warneckii, D. deremensis etc

[smurfchops]

Thanks everyone - it has occurred to me, I could take a photograph of it, but is there any way I could then post it on this website?  (I think I will ask this question in Internet & Technology) keep posted!  I will find out one way or another what it is called, otherwise. xx

[smurfchops]

Hopefully you can open my photograph below, if not, sorry but I tried. Don't know the name of the plant, if you still have probs let me know, I will go to the library and look up one of the Hessayon plant books (would you believe it I just gave a load of his books to the charity shop .. ) Anyway here goes:

http://img376.imageshack.us/my.php?image=plant0019di.jpg