Homalomena - can I cut it back?

[Delilah]

Hi

I have a Homalomena 'Maggi' that has been in the wrong spot and suffered terribly. It's alive but has only two small scrappy leaves poking out of the top of two thick 7" bare stems.

I have re-potted it and moved it to a better area, but my question is whether I can cut the thick ugly leafless stems down short? Will the plant survive this and re-sprout from the base?

Thanks

[rainbowgardener]

I don't have any experience with these plants, but have read they can be a little tricky. They like bright indirect light and consistent temps.

If the "ugly" stems you are talking about are the ones with the leaves, I would leave them for now. The leaves feed the plant. If you defoliate it, it's survival becomes more questionable. Later if it comes through this and starts putting out new growth, you can trim it to look more like how you want it.