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Name That Plant!

Mystery Palm?

14 years ago

I'm hoping someone can ID this plant for me and suggest some care tips. A link to a photo of the plant is below.

I've had this plant for some years, and it's always just been a single slim trunk with the greenery at the top. A couple years back it put out a single shoot at the bottom of the plant, and the top seemed to die back, so I pruned it off. I moved it into a larger pot two years ago, and it's close to eight feet tall now. Over the winter it put out a bunch of new growth at the bottom.

So my questions are:

(1) what kind of palm is this?

(2) should I cut off the top of the plant once the new growth is established?

(3) are there any other care tips for this plant? I feel like its success thus far is based on dumb luck, rather than any gardening ability on my part.

Thanks!

Here is a link that might be useful: Mystery Palm

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Comments (4)

rosemariero6
14 years ago
Looks like a Dracaena marginata or variety of. :)
bahia
14 years ago
Yes it is a Dracaena, and is typically grown as a house plant. You can easily whack it back and reroot the cut pieces in water, and then replant in the same pot. Whether you prefer it as a single trunk or bushier, is personal preference. This is a most forgiving plant and pretty much tolerates whatever you give it, but typical good houseplant care will reward you with faster/thicker growth.
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costaricafinca
14 years ago
Thrives on neglect...!
You will by now, know it isn't a palm, but is often mistaken for one.
mrsmig
Original Author
14 years ago
Thank you all!

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