There is a significant difference between repotting and potting up. One eliminates the limitations imposed by root congestion, the other ensures the perpetuation of those limitations until such time as they are eliminated by physically correcting the congestion. Air layering the top of the plant is the safest way to propagate your plant because the method stops the polar flow (from top to roots) of a growth regulator (auxin) that inhibits lateral growth (back-budding or new shoots); so, at the same time you're producing a new plant from the top (layering), you're stimulating new shoots from below the point of the air layer. It's not a difficult process. A second method, which also carries very little risk, would be to cut the top of the plant back, leaving only a few healthy leaves. This also inhibits the polar flow of auxin and forces back-budding lower on the plant. In successive years, you can 'chase' foliage all the way back to shoots growing very low on the plant. You use the term 'leggy'. Leggy happens when the plant isn't getting enough light and usually accompanies a weak stem that is reluctant to support itself. Your plant's natural growth habit is to regularly shed older leaves and occasionally produce another branch here and there. It will produce far more branches w/o your help if you can get it outdoors where there is lots of air movement and good light - as found in open shade. Then, you can prune the top back to one of those lower branches with virtually no risk to the plant. Al

I once successfully AL'ed a Ficus 'Alii'. A small branch. I used a sterile scalpel and cut all around just to the vescular bundle about half inch away I did the same thing. Then, I used the scalpel to connect the cuts and peeled away the bark. Wet sphag and a good-sized block from a black contractor's bag as well as tape at either end and walla! I realize a Ficus is not a Dracena, but the same thing can be done. You just have to be careful with not using too much pressure. A slit would work just fine too. If you're really daring, you can take a stem cutting during the growing season (before the stem becomes "woody") and propogate it that way. After roots have formed add it to the pot for bushier appearence.

Thanks, all. I'm glad people are enjoying the progress pics. Kathy Blackwood : Keep in mind, these are mature plants that are living outside while going through their summer growing period. They are enjoying lots of bright indirect light. I pruned some smaller indoor dracs last year, and they are growing much MUCH slower. 'Your mileage may vary', as they say. laticauda : The third branch on the marginata is still just a tiny green nub. It looks exactly the same now as it did when it first broke through the trunk 2 months ago. The third one on the tri-color is definitely the runt of the litter, but it's starting to grow and catch up with the others now.

Pictures? How cold did your house get?