Sally, I've seen this result in response to my actions countless times. I did not make this stuff up, it comes from reading books about bonsai. Here are just a few examples.
2013, one was halved, one was tip-nipped and leaves removed where I wanted new branches to grow.
2017, both are multi-stemmed entities, not much taller than original size. The halved plant still has a "chopped" look.
Coleus:
2013, false Aralia. Several individuals potted together.
2015, bifurcation was achieved by nipping the tip of this one in 2013.
2016, further manipulations have resulted in more side branches.
2017
2014, 2 individuals potted together, each with no side branches.
2017, after many purposeful manipulations.
