Identification: My house plant is budding and I need to ID it!

Discussion in 'Indoor and Greenhouse Plants' started by dancarlson, Jun 6, 2011.

  1. dancarlson

    dancarlson Member

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    Thanks for any help.

    I've had this houseplant for maybe 20 years and it's budding, so i need help identifying it so i can get the bud off properly and start a new one.

    It has a very short, cylindrical woody stalk at the base. Above that is a green stalk with a five-sided symmetry. Generally, only one leaf comes out of one of the five sides, so generally, it only has about five leaves at it's top (its averaging two leaves per side right now). You may be able to see the leaf scars on the stalk close ups. Each edge of the stalk has a "fuzzy" edge to it while the main stalk faces are smooth with a waxy luster.

    It produces extremely tiny white flowers once a year (it just finished flowering).

    The green stalk grows about 1-2 inches per year. It's almost 3 feet tall now. It seemed to be on its last legs the last couple years - the growth had slowed down and the leaves were smaller. I repotted it and its growth has exploded. Not only have the top leaves been full again, it has sprouted two "buds" which can be seen in the photos.

    Once i get this identified, I hope to discover the proper technique to remove these buds and start a couple new plants.

    It thrives on morning sunlight and watering every couple weeks. I have been assuming it is a succulent of some sort.

    Any help would be appreciated! Thanks!
     

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  2. saltcedar

    saltcedar Rising Contributor 10 Years

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  3. dancarlson

    dancarlson Member

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    Thanks saltcedar! That certainly looks like the right structure and leaf shape, etc., though mine never had leaves covering so much of the stalk. Maybe i never gave it the right growing conditions. Now have i have what's no doubt the proper genus, i can do some research. Thanks again!

    -dan
     

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