Radical Makeovers

Over time, many plants--especially large ones--can become unattractive or spindly. Often the last thing we want to do is take drastic measures, but for the right kind of plants, that's exactly what needs to be done. Here are some tips for giving mature, tired plants a makeover:

Repotting is always a good first step for rootbound plants. Besides promoting new growth, repotting also provides an opportunity to divide plants and start new ones.

Pruning will improve the appearance of a large, ungainly plant and will quickly spur new, thicker growth. Be very fairly aggressive with the clippers; in a few weeks the plant will bounce back in remarkable fashion. With ficus and hibiscus in particular, just nipping the last few leaves on a branch will cause new branches and leaves to grow.

Try shaping a sparse tree into a topiary; remove dead or dying leaves and branches as you go, and shape what is left.

Replant pruned pieces into the same pot to create a full look. (This works well with ficus, dieffenbachia and rubber tree.)

You can easily start ficus branches in new soil. Simply saw branches from the "mother" tree, plant the cut end in soil and water well. Do not fertilize for two months. The branches will eventually root and grow new trees.

You can also turn a small ficus into a bonsai by sawing off the bottom section of the root ball to leave enough root ball to fit the bonsai pot. Cut back the top to about two feet tall (or less). Keep the soil moist, and the hair roots will grow and produce new plants which you can shape into bonsai.

To grow new shoots on a dracaena, schefflera or rubber tree, cut off old foliage, leaving a strong branch. Tie a string to the branch tip and gently bend the top of the branch and tie it onto the lower portion of the plant. Using a utility knife, cut notches into the top of the curved branch. New shoots will grow from the notches.

To improve the appearance of leggy plants, simply twist several stems together.

Shape and bend bare stems of dragon tree or dracaena to create interest where leaves are now missing. Tie the stems into the desired shape to train them.

Even cactus can be perked up; just cut back specimens to create new limbs.