The Very Old Plant My Friend Gave Me

One-stemmed teenage dieffenbachia
@capirani (2840)
United States
May 13, 2024 10:29pm CST
Last week she said it was 19 years old. Today when she gave it to me, she said it was 16 years old. Whichever it is, it is a very old plant. It is a one stem dieffenbachia, about 4 feet tall. I had to go out and find a tree branch to hold it up. I promised a photo. I took this a couple hours ago after getting it up on the tree branch, with the help of my granddaughter. My plan for this very leggy plant is to take several cuttings to bring it back to a smaller size and root the cuttings to add to it. Once I get it trimmed back and repotted, I will take more photos. Unfortunately, the part left in the pot will still be pretty tall because there are no leaves until about a foot and a half up the stem. I am hoping that once I trim it back and leave the top few leaves on that part of the stem, it will encourage the plant to start spreading at the base in the pot. It will make this plant healthier and stronger for maybe another 16-19 years. She brought this plant down planted in the bottom half of a gallon milk jug that she had cut for a flowerpot. It definitely needs transplanted to have more room for a healthy root system. The artwork behind the plant in the photo are 3 of my own pieces.
5 people like this
5 responses
@Ghostlady (1302)
• United States
14 May
Can't wait to see it when you get it done. Looks pretty healthy. Now that Sam is gone I am thinking about growing some herbs in the windows he took up in my office. Going to Home Depot tomorrow to get some starters. Haven't been too lucky with seeds, and I need some pots, and a small table or stand. Good luck with your plant.
2 people like this
@capirani (2840)
• United States
14 May
Good luck with your herbs. That is something I want to work on once I get moved. I especially want to grow corriander plants, also and most popularly called cilantro.
2 people like this
@Ghostlady (1302)
• United States
14 May
@capirani Never cared for Cilantro...a little bit in Salsa is okay, but I check the fresh container Salsa to see how much is in it before I buy it. Some have more than others.
1 person likes this
@LadyDuck (471500)
• Switzerland
14 May
I am sure it will look lovely once you are finished.
1 person likes this
@jstory07 (139697)
• Roseburg, Oregon
14 May
You sure are going to take good care of that plant.
1 person likes this
@wolfgirl569 (106226)
• Marion, Ohio
14 May
It will be lovely when you are finished
1 person likes this
@LindaOHio (178568)
• United States
14 May
Looking forward to what you do with the plant. Great artwork. Have a good day.