Corn Plant Care
Common Name: Corn Plant or Corn Dracaena
Scientific Name: Dracaena Massangeana
Lighting: Low
Watering: Moderate
The Corn plant require very little care. The Corn plant has long leaves stemming from a wooden cane like stalk. The variegated leaves resemble corn foliage thus the name. The foliage using contains a yellow or crème center with dark green borders.
The Corn plant enjoys low light, making it perfect for corners and hallways. The Corn plant requires moderate watering. Water thoroughly once every 7 - 10 days or when the soil is dry to touch down 1 inch into the soil. The roots of the Corn plant are located close to the canes. It is also a very shallow root system, therefore when watering, place the water near the base of each cane to be sure the roots are able to absorb the water. If the leaves begin to drop or yellow, try watering the plant less frequently. You could be over watering it.
The Corn plant tends to be resistant to many of the pests that other houseplants encounter. If your Corn plant does become infected with bugs or mites, spraying a soapy mixture of water and dish soap over the plant should take care of the problem.
This houseplant is one of many poisonous houseplants. To be safe, keep it away from pets and children.
Labels: air purifying houseplants, poisonous houseplants
posted by drayas @ 12:12 PM
148 Comments:
The leaves on my corn plant have started yellowing, then turn brown. It became so bad that I clipped the entire growth from the trunk. Now the trunk is w/o and growth. Should I leave it in hopes that there will be new growth or is this plant finished with. I realized now that I overwatered it.
I have to do some checking on this. I have never clipped the entire growth off mine before, so I need to find out if new shoots will grow or not. I'm guessing they will since my Corn plant has new shoots, however I don't know the time frame. So please check back. As soon as I find out some information I'll post it.
drayas
I just ran to the local garden center. They told me that new shoots should grow on your Corn plant. However, they could not give me a timeframe. You can wait, however you'll have just a trunk for awhile depending on how long it takes for the new shoots to appear. Sorry I could not give a more definite answer. I myself have never encountered this issue before.
Thanks for reading,
drayas
I am wondering what minimum environ temperature the corn plant requires. With winter here, I've been turning my furnace down to 60 at night and wondering if that will impact the plant. By the way, I had lost all of my corn plant leaves while moving it in a car (the top was out the moonroof) and she grew back beautifully in a few weeks. Thank you.
Most houseplant guides will say to keep the temperature between 65 and 80. I turn my heat down to 63 during the day when I'm gone and my Corn plant does fine. I would think you should be fine as well, but if your Corn plant starts to look unhealthy try turning the heat up a few degrees. Do a little trial and error. I live in Wisconsin so I know exactly how you feel when it comes to keeping your heating costs to a minimum. Let me know if how 60 works.
Thanks,
drayas
I just recent bought a houseplant and a few leaves are beginning to turn brown. It doesnt get direct sunlight but there are big windows in the room, and the temperature is generally between 67 and 73 degrees. It is about 4 feet long. Can you suggest how much water it should ideally get. I put 1 liter every 5-6 days and its painful to see it wilting.
First, it is a Corn Plant you purchased correct? If so, how close is the plant to the windows? My Corn Plant which I have to get a picture online yet, is about 10 feet from the window. I water about it with one liter or a quarter of a gallon once every week, week and a half.
Seeing as you just purchased the plant, it also may be just going through an adjustment period with its new environment.
Let me know how things work.
Thanks,
drayas
I have read that corn plants like moderate light, and also low light. It is next to a north facing window in the corner, do you think that is too much?
Is it possible to take these plants outside during the spring and summer as long as they are in the shade?
Sharon,
As long as the temperatures stay above 60, I don't see why you wouldn't be able to take your Corn Plant outside. If it is in partial shade it should be fine as well. Just don't put it out in the full sun.
I have never taken mine outside, but I live in Wisconsin. The hassle for me to redecorate my interior for only 2 - 3 months so the plants could go outside was never worth it.
If you start to see the health of your plant slipping bring it back inside or try a different location.
Please let me know how this works out, I'm definitely curious.
Thanks,
drayas
I bought a corn plant and it seemed to be fine, about 3 weeks later I began to see small white what ressembles lint spots on the leaves and I am wondering if you have any idea what that is. Also, I did not know much about this type when I bought it and it has yellow leaves that are turning brown due to me putting it outside in direct light, should I cut it way back?
What type of water do you use? Corn Plants (Dracaena) in general are very sensitive to fluoride and water that has been treated. If you are using city water or water that goes through a water softener, there's a good chance that's the problem. Use distilled or untreated water. We have a well, so I use the outside water faucets since they are not run through the water softener.
The other possibility for the white spots is some type of insect or pest. Just to be safe, spray the plant with a soapy dishwater mixture one - two times a day for a week.
In terms of the brown leaves. You can trim the brown off. I have on mine. It looks a little funny, but it’s better than the brown. My Corn Plant seems to go into spells every once in awhile, where it looks gorgeous for months and then all of a sudden looks horrible for a few weeks. So then it gets trimmed.
Please let me know how the plant does.
Thanks,
drayas
similar to many of the other posts here, mine gets browning at the ends of the leaves on a regular basis. it's usually the lower leaves, but sometimes closer to new growth. I water it about once a week, but the soil always seems so dry, so I've increased watering--I read that they like the soil moist.
is the browning of the leaves somewhat expected, or is there something else I can do to limit or eliminate it?
TIA
Tia,
I think the browning periodically is expected. My Corn Plant will look beautiful and then all of a sudden the tips start browning. I joke around and say it's having another meltdown!
Try watering it more often and see if that helps since it appears to be dry.
If anyone else has some suggestions on browning tips on Corn Plants, please post them, since this is one area that I have never seemed to correct with mine.
Thanks,
drayas
I have a corn plant. I have two stalks in one container. The smaller stalk, all of the leaves have fallne off. The bigger stalk the two side leaves are gone. I am trying to save the top I just don't know what to do. I have tried not to over water. I even went as far as to purchased a plant light.
How much light does your Corn Plant receive? You shouldn't need a plant light, since it usually prefers lower light levels. The problem is most likely the over watering. Let the soil dry out and then begin watering again, less than you have been.
I would also give your Corn Plant some plant food, to give it a little boost back to health. I like the Miracle Gro Houseplant food.
Please let me know how your plant is doing.
Thanks,
drayas
I read above that if you think you corn plant might have insects or pest you should spray it with a soapy dishwater mixture...can you please elaborate on what exactly the mixture is made up of. One of my other plants, I believe have some type of pest and I dont want it to spread to my corn plant. Does this soapy dishwater mixture work with all plants? Also, a few of the leaves on my corn plant have yellow spots almost as if the green is fading (hope that makes sense)any advice would be great. Thanks
Danielle,
The soapy dishwater mixture I use is simply water and Dawn dishsoap. I spray the plant down really good at least once a day. And that has usually done the trick.
In terms of the yellow spots, you may be overwatering your Corn Plant. Try not watering it as much and see if that helps.
Thanks,
drayas
Thanks, one last ques. do I have to rinse the soapy dishwater solution off after applying it? Or can I just let it be on the leaves? Thanks again
Danielle,
You can simply leave it on the leaves!!! No need to wash.
Hope it works!
drayas
Thank you so much!!!!!
I had some very bad brown spots on the tips my corn plant's leaves and read that I should use clean scissors to cut off the brown spots just at the edge of the spots without harming the good part of the leaf. I did it and the plant is looking great with no bad effects. Also, one can us MILK on a soft rag or sponge to clean, feed and polish the leaves about once a month or more. The plant will look so good people will think it is artificial. Happy Gardening from Baton Rouge, La.
About the brown leaf tips that look burned. Cut them off and make a pointed shape so the leaf looks normal. You must spray a mist onto the plant's leaves to keep them healthy and the air humidified so they will thrive.
Thank you everyone for the extra tips!!
- drayas
All the leaves on my corn plant died after moving into our new house. I cut the top off, dipped them in "root grow" and put them in water hoping they will form new roots...Is that possible with a corn plant?
Anything is possible. I have never had to try it, but most plants will re-root in water.
Please keep me posted on whether it works or not.
Thanks,
drayas
i enjoyed reading all of the invaluable information that was being shared ,since this is the first time that i have ever used the internet to find out about my corn plant. i received the plant five years ago as a gift at my fathers funeral and did not know much about but i do love all of gods creations that have life and value and only need some of gods oter invaluable creations to care.
I just purchased a corn plant today because I thought it was gorgeous. I have never been able to keep plants alive, no matter what kind they are, so any advice on how to care for it is welcome. There is nothing wrong with this plant except for one brown leaf, do I need to cut this back? And I also think I read that I dont need to use the water from my faucet, is that true? Please let me know. Desperate to know, b/c I really am interested in starting to buy plants and take care of them!!!!!
Congratulations on trying a plant again.
You should use distilled or non-treated water. So if your faucet runs through a water softener like mine, you shouldn't water your plants with it. I use my outside water faucets since they don't go through the softener.
All the care information you need is listed above. Plus I always try my best to answer questions posted as comments. However I am not online all the time so do give me at least a day to answer. And comments are moderated due to spammers so if you post a comment and it doesn't show up right away, it's just waiting for my approval.
Good luck growing and thanks for finding my site.
drayas
I have a corn plant and the stalk never got very big. My plant would fall over, if I didn't have it braced between to polls. Why did this happen? Will it ever get bigger?
Hello,
Corn Plants have very shallow roots, so having to brace yours is not un-ordinary. My Corn plants have always grown very slow, so I would not be concerned about the smallness, nor having to brace it.
You could try re-potting your plant and putting it deeper into the dirt for more stability.
Thanks,
drayas
I have had my corn plant for almost 20 years and it has just flowered! It's very funny looking but I am not sure if I am to cut them off or just let it fall off on its own time?
Any help on this would be great!
Hello,
If you want you can cut the flower off. From what I've read the fragrance can be very strong. So you can either let it flower until the flowers begin to die and then cut them off, or cut them off right away. Whichever you prefer.
Thanks,
drayas
How can I cut some of my plant off and plant it for a friend
Hello,
I have never tried taking cutting from my Corn Plant, but this site states you can. Corn Plant: Dracaena. Hope that helps.
Thanks,
drayas
Hi There,
I know absolutely nothing about plants, but managed to move a corn plant around university with me for 5 years. For whatever reason, the trunks started going almost mouldy-like and hallowing out, so I cut two branches off the plant and threw the rest of it out. I put them in water through the summer and very quickly (within a few weeks!!!) they started to grow roots. I then planted them in soil and now I've got two beautiful smalller plants that seem to be doing really well. So, if I can make a cutting from a branch work I'm pretty sure anyone can!
on a separate note, now that my two new plants (or old plants?) are doing so well, they seem to be growing gigantic long leaves (like 2 feet long) that get so heavy they snap the hard part in the middle that gives them their nice shape. Is there any way to encourage the plant to grow new smaller leaves and grow up rather than long gigantor leaves?
I had to move my corn plant and during the move it got wind damage and the leaves are all split legnth ways. Should I cut them off or just let it grow out? I thought of maybe cutting the leaves half way up to where the split ends. The leaves are now getting brown on the edges where they are split.Thanks so much!
Hello,
Sorry for the late response. First off, thank you for sharing how you created new corn plants!!! I will have to try that.
In terms of the long leaves, is the plant possibly reaching for light? That's really the only thing I can think of right now as to why.
Any of my readers have any ideas??
Thank you,
drayas
Hello,
I have found that if you cut the leaves, they still get the brown edges so I just let them grow as is. Then when there is new growth and it wouldn't make the plant look strange I cut the whole leaf off.
Thanks,
drayas
Since I've repotted my corn plant, it's really taken off. Now, it's up to the ceiling. I've really got nowhere else to put it. What do you think I can do? Cut off the top?
Our corn plant has started sprouting stems with liitle balls of seeds attached. What is this? We have had the plant for yeasrs and have never seen this. What do we do with them.
Okay - here's a really strange question for all you corn plant experts. I have one in my office that is about 3 feet high, and has been practically the same size for the last three years. A coworker got one last year and within a few weeks it bloomed and smelled great. About 6 months later, it bloomed again. I was horribly jealous and asked him about it, and he smiled and said he just talks to it. He got promoted out of my area a few weeks ago, and finally confessed to me that he would pour his coffee dregs into it every night when he went home. I figured, why not try this, so for about the last three weeks I have been giving my plant a half cup of (cold) coffee about every other day. Since then it has grown three large leaves with more curled up inside ready to come out. It is obviously very happy but has anyone else ever heard of this? I figure it is changing the PH balance of the soil or something - any thoughts?
Barbie,
It sounds like your Corn Plant is flowering!!! Congratulations! This does not happen often. My Corn Plant is over 6 years old and never flowered.
If you want you can cut the flower off. From what I've read the fragrance can be very strong. So you can either let it flower until the flowers begin to die and then cut them off, or cut them off right away. Whichever you prefer.
If you have any pictures of your Corn Plant flowering I could post on the website I'd love it!!
Thanks for sharing.
drayas
Hello,
Well I have never tried it, but then again I don't drink coffee. However this seems to be a debate. Some say no you shouldn't, others swear by it. Below is a forum that people have provided their opinions.
Watering with coffee or juice.
I may have to give it a shot though. Usually Corn Plants do not flower that often and mine is 6 years old with no flower.
Thanks,
drayas
Hello, I bought a corn plant about 4 years ago. It's the 1st plant I've ever owned. I've hardly taken care of it in these 4 years. Yesterday I thought it needed a new pot. It was in a 12" and when I pulled it out the entire pot was a root ball. I keep reading that they have small root systems. So I guess my question is will It do ok in it's new 20" pot? Also this pot is one thats designed to be filled at the bottom in it's resevior. I should treat it as a normal pot right? watering from the top? Thanks much.
Peter,
You should be fine, especially if it was that root bound. Also, you still water it from the top. The reservoir just allows the water to sip out and then be sucked back up. It prevents the plants roots from sitting in water.
Thanks,
drayas
I just bought a corn plant 5 days ago I have not transfered it to what will be it permanent pot. Im concerned because several of the leaves have small circles with yellow around the outside of the circle and brown dry spots in the middle. What is this and how do i fix it. I have watered it 3 times since I got it because I bought it from IKEA and I wasnt sure how attentive they were to the plants. I realize now that it was probably too much water for it, may that be the reason for the circles?
I received a corn plant as a gift when my mom died four year ago. It was doing great.Two of the stock no longer have shoots. Will it grow new shoots
I have a corn plant, some one told me to tip the leaves. What does this mean
Hello,
I have no idea what they mean by "tip the leaves". You shouldn't cut the leaves, because it doesn't seem to help anything.
Any of my readers give us a hand???
Thanks,
drayas
The tag that came with my corn plant stated it liked direct sunlight so when it started to look a tad wilted indoors i placed it outside on the front stoop which gets tons of light for several hours. Well now the leaves appear burnt and from reading many posts online it appears it didnt like the direct sunlight and the leaves got scorched. I also think Ive overwatered it several times. Is there anything I can do to save my plant?! Its back inside in less sunlight and i plan on letting the soil dry out before watering it again and then water it less frequently. Will it be forgiving and come back to life? :(
Hello,
It's hard to say depending on the damage. Usually Corn plants are pretty hardy. A little abuse usually doesn't kill them.
Get them on a regular watering schedule and maybe give them some houseplant food for an extra boost.
Keep us posted.
Thanks,
drayas
Hi, i got my corn plant clipping earlier this year and had a few problems, first it outgrew it's pot ,which not knowing anything about it, i didn't know what was happening till it turned yellow, so for giggles i put in a bigger pot and now its doing fine, but it has brown tips on all its leaves and i was wondering if i should trim the brown tips off.
I have two corn plants that ahave been in one pot. I've had them aout 9 years. The taller plant is getting way too tall. The leaves are falling off at the bottom but sprouting new ones at the top and now it's brushing the ceiling. I'm wondering if I can just cut that side shoot all the way back to the trunk to start over. Will the leaves come back or will that kill theplant?
My mother-in-law started her corn plant 70 years ago and we have had so many cuttings from the original and have given many plantings to family and friends over the years. It is amazing. This year is the first year that it has flowered twice. We couldn't believe it. I also gave a cutting to a friend and she had a flower on hers. My mother-in-law also used milk to clean the leaves. She has since passed away but her corn plant lives on. Also people might not know about the sticky fluid the flower releases. Very messy, And the fragrance is quite strong. Enjoyed reading your comments.
I have a 11 yr old large, 5 "trunk" corn plant in a large pot that recently had to be trimmed for length (moved to lower ceiling home). In the bottom of the new pot I placed some packing peanuts for fear that I wouldn't be able to lift the huge potted plant and move it to the new home. Is it OK to have this at the base of the plant? Is it normal to go through a rough phase following replanting/trimming?
Hello,
Well, I've never tried putting the packaging peanuts. I'm assuming they are Styrofoam so they won't degrade much. I would think they would be fine, but can't say for sure.
Any time you trim or repot a plant, you'll have an adjustment period. Also with the move the lighting may be different. Give it some time and it should bounce back fine.
Keep us posted.
Thanks,
drayas
I have noticed a lot of new foliage growth coming from the bottom of my canes. The tops look awful, so can I trim the top of the canes off completely? If I do, do I need to treat the chopped off top with anything? I'm asking b/c the tops of the canes right now look almost as if there is a wax coating on them.
Hello,
You can cut the tops off and this site gives assistance on cane cuttings. I have not been able to find anything on whether you need to treat the cut portion of the plant with.
Any of my readers give us a hand??
Thanks,
drayas
question??
I have a corn plant thats maybe 3 years old. A year and a half ago, a new shoot started up from the soil. Didnt think that it was even attatched, but now its completely fused with the other trunk at the roots. The original trunk is close to 3 feet tall, and the new one is only about a foot tall. The tall one can barely grow any leaves and the small one is just about nothing but leaves, so it looks like its strangling the tall tree. How do I seperate the two and will both survive? they share about 2 inches of truck and all of the roots. thanks.
I have a new plant; came in an 8 in pot. I repotted in a 12 in pot, it wilted bad and so I repotted again in a 10 in pot. Longer leaves are still wilting; has new growth though. How do I keep the weeping longer leaves to a low and make the plant look healhier? I have the plant in a sun room with lots of windows and no a/c. However, the plant is not exposed to direct sunlight. I have cust some of the lower, (longer) leaves off to allow the new growth and less droopage. Help! I really would like this plant to thrive, but don't know how to help it!
I've had my corn plant for over 2 years. It has 2 stalks, one about half the length of the other. In the last year or so, the taller one has gotten the blahs...first the brown ends then entire brown leaves. Just now, as I was trimming, the two remaining "shoots" broke off. I then realized that the husk is peeling and it just feels depleted. The smaller stalk seems fine, husk intact with green leaves. It is still potted in the plastic tub that it came in. It doesn't really get much sun and I think grandma is overwatering. I'd very much like to salvage it. Will the tall stalk recover? Should I reproduce? Help! Thanks.
Hello,
You could try taking a cutting from the seemingly dead stalk. Try cutting the top off. This website gives some help with cane cuttings.
Please keep us posted.
Thanks,
drayas
I recently inherited a corn plant in Colorado and have since moved to Seattle. I don't know much about the plant's previous care. The prior owner covered the soil with about an inch and a half of pebbles and then layered large flat stones over that; I assume to keep the soil moist. Now, the leaves look droopy and wilted but not yellow. I have removed as many of the pebbles as I can and plan to let the soil dry out before watering again. Is this advisable?
Hello,
You may be overwatering the plant. Water thoroughly once every 7 - 10 days or when the soil is dry to touch down about an inch into the soil. Typically leaves dropping is over watering.
In terms of the pebbles, some of my plants I did that and lately I have been removing them. Seems like you mentioned the soil stays moist and they plants become more prone to pests.
Keep us posted.
Thanks,
drayas
I have a corn plant that is 8 years old now and it has sentimental value since my Grandma gave it to me when she was still alive. It has two stalks and both stalks are doing very well. So well that one of them is very close to the ceiling and I'm not sure what to do when it gets too tall! Is it possible to separate the two stalks and create two plants from the one? It wouldn't be so bad if one half didn't make it, but I would be devastated if neither survived. I'm thinking of trying to move the tall guy to a shady spot outside. Any advice? Thanks!
i have a corn plant that is turning brown also. but some of the leaves keep dying. what am i doing wrong?
I have a corn plant that is 15 years old, is doing beautifuly but it is so TALL it reaches the ceiling. I need to know how to seperate it and make another plant. Do you cut off and repot or do you need to root before repotting. I don't want to loose this plant but soon I will have to raise the roof!!!!!!!!!!!!LOL
my corn plant has reached the ceiling. can i cut off a few feet and if i can where do i cut it exactly. some help would really be appreciated, thanks
Hello, I just bought a corn plant because it was on sale and we really wanted a plant in the household. As I'm reading through the websites I found out its poisonous. What does this mean, for example, can it kill you or something if accidentally eaten? Or do serious lung damage? What are the dangers of this plant? Please let me know because I take care of young children, thank you.
Cynthia,
Corn Plants are poisonous if eaten so keep away from pets and kids. Other than that, you're fine.
Thanks,
drayas
Hi!
I just recently bought a corn plant! i put it in a pot with two croton plants. should i take it out and put it in its own pot? Thanks so much!
Kristen
My mother-in-law's father stayed with her during the holidays last year. While he was ther he constantly turned the heat to well over 90 degrees. Since then her corn plant has been turning brown and leaves and stems and been dying off. She doesn't have much of a plant left and it used to touch her ceiling. What can she do help it bounce back?
Kristen,
If you can get your Corn plants to grow well with the Crotons they can be in the same pot. The only problem you may run into is that Crotons typically like high water levels and Corn Plants, not so high. But try it. One of the houseplants may adjust.
Keep us posted.
Thanks,
drayas
Hello,
Was it near a heat source? All she can do is give it some tender loving care. Get the Corn Plant back on a normal watering and lighting schedule. Give it some houseplant food when you water. I like Miracle Gro. This should help give the plant extra nutrients.
Keep us posted. Thanks,
drayas
P.S. Sorry everyone for the late responses. The blog has taken off quite well and sometimes I get backlogged on answering questions. I try my best to answer all. So if I don't answer yours, just post another comment and I'll see it again.
--drayas
My corn plant is rooting at the base of leaf group on the sides of the stalk. Should I cut them off and replant or just leave them alone?
Hello,
Carefully check if the new shoots are in fact new little plants or if they are coming off the main plant. If coming off the main plant and you don't mind, I'd leave them be.
Thanks,
drayas
my corn plant is to tall for my cieling how do i trim it and can i start new plants
I LOVE this website and frequently read random blogs about different houseplants. Now i'm very thankful i have found this place to ask plant questions :) I got my corn plant back in the summer and it has since did beautiful things for my apartment. My kitty must think differently since she decided to pee in it! I discovered a wet place in the soil before i watered it and knew exactly what had happened! Is my corn plant going to die now? Is there anything i can do to keep it from becoming poisioned? Is there anything that you can do to keep cats from wanting to get into the soil? Thanks so much for the houseplant guidance :)
Hello,
You should be able to trim your Corn plant back. You can cut your Corn plant back at any point on the stem and the new growth will start just below that.
I usually place the cut off part in water to re-root, but I've also read that you can use a small pot filled with a damp, porous potting mixture.
Keep us posted.
-- drayas
Paula,
I really don't know what will keep your cats away from the plant. I'm a dog person! Can you place the plants in an area where the cats can't get at them? I also am not sure how the pee will affect them.
Can any of my readers provide some insight???
-- drayas
I just brought home a corn plant from the office that is in desperate need of help. There are three plants in a 12" pot and the leaves began to turn yellow a few weeks ago. The plant belongs to my boss and he's had it about 2 months. Anyway, about 5 days ago he put the plant outside thinking it needed more light (after reading this I realize the original spot he had it was probably just fine)Anyway we're in FL and the temps have been low lately high 30's at night to 60's and high 70's in the day.
It's home inside my house now. I was thinking it probably needs a bigger pot. Any suggestions what I should do next? I did just give it some of my coffee from this morning?
thanks
Michelle
Michelle,
Yellowing foliage typically means overwatering. Have you watered it less?
Thanks,
drayas
My corn plant is 5 years old and has been doing terrific up until about one month ago. All of the leaves are turning yellow from the bottom up. I only water it about every 7-10 days. Yesterday I gave it some plant food. Should I cut off the yellow leaves? Any other suggestions would be greatly appreciated.
We have a corn plant that we received l2 years ago when my father past away. The bottom leaves seem to turn brown and fall off as the plant grows taller but otherwise it is doing ok...but two days ago we noticed it has a stem of blooms in the top of the plant. This is the first time it has ever bloomed. Is it necessary to cut the bloom off...will it damage the plant. Someone said if the bloom the plant will die...if this true. Betty
Hello,
Watering every 7 - 10 days should be good. Be sure you are giving the plant too much water when watering. Usually yellowing means over watering. You don't want the soil to be soggy.
You can cut the yellowed fronds off, they won't go back green. Some house plant food would be good as well.
Thanks,
drayasw
Congrats!!
Mine is almost 8 years old now I think and it hasn't bloomed. Other readers have discussed their Corn Plant blooming. Your plant will not die after it blooms. You can cut the flower off if you want. From what I've researched the fragrance of the flower can be very strong. So you may let it flower until the flowers begin to die and then cut them off, or cut them off right away. Whichever you prefer.
Thanks,
drayas
I have a corn plant I put in a different pot and now it looks as if it is dieing. Even the pot has a white powder on the out side and the soil does to. Do you think it could be infected? It still has some green leaves but the ends are brown.
Hello. I've had my corn plant for about 8 years and it's color and health has changed a lot during that time. Most recently though, it was left outside for about 6-8 hours in temps in the upper 20s. It looks horrible now and I fear it is dead. It has turned brown and the leaves are completely wilted and limp. The leaves can be plucked off easily from the stock, but they're not brittle. Two large stocks and one relatively new smaller stock are all potted together
As soon as we realized it was so cold outside, we brought it indoors in indirect light and shot it with some miracle grow. We've tried to keep the soil moist by watering about once per week. After 3 weeks it still looks bad, but not brittle.
I don't know what to do. The plant is very sentimental to us so I don't know if it can be saved. if it is dead.
What do you suggest?
I have a corn plant that is 8 feet high and is now touching the ceiling in my living room. I do not want to part with the plant. How do I trim it down?
I've had a corn plant for about 5 and 1/2 years that was given to me by my parents because they didn't want to move it overseas with them. I've had one heck of a time learning about this plant. I went with the I'll try different things and see how it reacts. Over the course of time that I've had it, I've seen it look bad, look good, and flower. It seems to be a very slow acting plant. Taking a long time to finalize new leaf growth and to shed old ones. I have a bamboo plant that is the complete opposite. It's metabolism is lightning compared. New growth on it completes in about a week and a half to two while the corn plant takes sometimes a month and a half for a new leaf to sprout and finally reach a horizontal angle with the floor. The most amazing thing about the flowering process for my plant was that when it flowered it happened while I was at work. I came home with no evidence that it was about to flower when I last really checked it out which is often since it's near the door and BANG my whole place smelled incredibly intense when I walked in the door and the corn plant had these big white flower buds coming out of the top of the stalks. They are heavy with sap that dripped all over the floor which was a little annoying. I water mine once a week. It does sit right in front of a north facing window, so it doesn't get directly hit with sunlight but it's a window that provides a decent amount of light if the blinds are open but not pulled up. Is that too much? I'm not sure. It doesn't seem to hurt it. It has continually growed with this kind of care. It's almost 8feet tall. It is an old plant, one that was in my parents house since I was a wee lad. I share the same problems some of the messagers are having with yellowing leaves. I notice that the leaves sag a little more than usual when it's thirsty and then bounce back in a day or little less after watering. Visiting this blog is the first time I have tried to seek out advice and info on how to care for it. After reading a bunch of these messages it seems that I have intuitively learned to care for it right. My only concern is that where it's at in my house is directly in front of a window that is the only place it can go since I'm in a one bedroom apartment and it takes up a good deal of space having three stalks with the shortest being 5ft tall and 8ft the tallest. I love this plant. It has sentimental value and yes it's 'moody' so to speak. Sometimes it just doesn't look good, but it never stays that way.
I live in Florida and have a corn plant in a corner in a bright room with many windows...many of the leaves on the plant are getting brown and dry... not just the tips, the entire leaf....I had to simply cut off one of the canes entire leaves, as well as many other leaves that were totally dry and brown....I do not overwater, in fact, I only water every two weeks or so...I do water it thoroughly though...No bugs, mites, etc.... what to do? The leaves that are on the plant after removing the brown one's are healthy and green! Thanks for any help available, I usually have a very green thumb, can't understand this!
Hello
My corn plant is 3 years old and it lost all the yellow stripes.
It's still growing and doing great but the leaves are plain green and no longer show the yellow stripes
What am I doing wrong?
HELP!!!I have 3 corn plant that vary in height. The tallest being 14', the other two are approximately 11' and 9' tall. Thay are generally very healthy. The problwm is that I am now moving to a new house that doesn't have 14' ceilings. I really do not wish to part with any of them as I've had them for over 20 years. Since no one I know has high ceilings either, I may have to crop them. My questions are: Does the plant sprout new growth from the stumped end? and, can the cropped top be salvaged? (i.e will it(or can it) sprout roots and be replanted?
Stacie,
Well, sorry to say, but pray. Lots! You can try cutting off the top of one of the stalks. They are supposed to grow new shoots when you do that. Now I have cut my tops of mine because I had smaller shoots coming out almost 4 months ago and I still don't have new shoots from where I cut.
Keep caring for it as normal. If the stalks are still sturdy, I would say there is still hope.
Keep us all posted,
drayas
Mel,
Sometimes when Corn plants receive too much or too little light, the stripes will disappear. Try adjusting the light slightly and see what happens. Then if nothing try the opposite, so if you gave it more light, now try less than usual.
Keep us posted,
drayas
Hello,
Well, I've been told that when you cut the top off, new growth should emerge. Now I cut the tops off 2 of mine about 4 months ago and I don't have new growth yet. But it's not dead either.
I did not try to root the cut off portions because mine were in rough shape at the time, however I would say it's worth a try. Get some rooting powder and that may help too.
Please keep us posted.
Thanks,
drayas
I'm a seventh grader in Park City and I grew corn in school for a hydroponics lesson. I don't have any gardening tool or stuff like that so I have my corn in a cup under my desk lamp. My corn is only about 4 weeks old and is 6 inches tall. I water it once a day or every time the soil is dry, but lately the leave have been turning brown and bending. The desk lamp is about 2 inches away from the top of the plant. A differant plant started to grow in the cup this week but I don't know if that's the problem. What should I do?
My corn plant is growing but the trunk is not, so I am not sure if this is ok, or not. The plant part is almost twice the size of the trunk. Is there anything that I need to do???
I had a corn plant for many years in an office. I had no problem with the leaves turning yellow or brown even though it was very dry in the place. It bloomed after many years when it was about 10 feet high. The flowers are small, white and just plain stink! They have a really strong, putrid odor. I have one at home now and am having all sorts of problems with the leaves turning yellow and then brown. This happened when I turned the heat down to a constant 55 degrees in the room where it lives. As far as I can see, it simply cannot tolerate temps this low on a constant basis. It did ok in previous years when the daytime temp was 65 and nighttime was 55. Some suggestions..... keep a corn plant well watered; some sun indoors is OK; keep the room temperature 60 or above. If it starts blooming you probably will want to cut off the flowers unless you're really badly congested or have completely lost your sense of smell.
The main trunk on a corn plant that you buy is usually cut off at the top and does not grow beyond that point. Cutting the top forces the side shoots to sprout and this is where the growth takes place. The growth from these shoots will soon surpass the height of the cut off main stalk.
hey i just bought one to and i seen on this site that it is poisionous to pets and children, i have a 2 and 4 yr old what do di do? Is it only if they try to eat the plant or just being around it???????????????
Hi I buy corn plant on the instruccions say i need to add pebbles in the bottom of the pot . do i realy need to add the pebbles ? can I yes add mirecle grow. thanks for your healp.
Hi I buy corn plant on the instruccions say i need to add pebbles in the bottom of the pot . do i realy need to add the pebbles ? can I yes add mirecle grow. thanks for your healp.
Not only are these houseplants poisonous to animals such as cats and dogs, but also humans, so please keep your young children away from them. Many are poisonous only if ingested. Please, if you are worried your child or pets has been poisoned due to a houseplant, contact your local poison center immediately
Hello,
Corn plants are only poisonous if eaten so as long as your pets and children don't bite on it, your good.
Having pebbles on the bottom of the pot helps the plant with drainage. It keeps the roots from sitting in water and soil being soggy. However, the plant will do well without pebbles on the bottom as well.
Thanks,
drayas
This is to comment to those who are wondering about taking cuts and rooting new plants. I bought a corn plant a few years ago. When I bought it, it had 3 stalks which did very well for about a year. Then Suddenly during one of its "Seasons" The two small stalks fell over and were completely dried up but one of them had green growth on it still. I took that part of the plant. Rooted it for about 1 month then replanted it in potting soil. It has been alive for about 3 years now and is still very green. It is very short compared to the other stalk that survived but it as many have said it takes a long for corn plants to grow taller.
If you are going to try to root your tree make sure you take a piece that has a green stalk. It seams that once the stalk turns brown it doesn't really like to sit in the water and just turns to mush.
good luck
thanks for time !!! drayas .
Hello, I just "inherited" a corn plant and the poor thing is a good 7-8ft tall and starting to grow in a contorted shape. It was never staked. The top is completely disfigured. I was wondering if you have any advice on what to do with it. I was tempted to completely cut the top off so that it is about 4ft tall and hope it grows back. Any advise would be greatly appreciated. Thank you
Hello, I bought my corn plant about 5 years ago when I moved into my first own place. I don't have a green thumb at all but have managed to keep this plant in good condition thru 3 moves. Now all of a sudden, my plant looks terrible! I've been told that I'm over watering it and that it has sunburn (I left it outside in direct sunlight for one day). I brought it in and have not watered it or given it any sunlight for over a week but it still seems to be getting worse. The leaves are yellow and brown and very limp. The soil seems to be moist not far below the surface. I'm afraid to cut the leaves because I would practically be cutting the whole thing for most of the leaves. After reading previous posts, I am going to try Miracle Gro houseplant food but should I cut first?!?! Please help! I don't want to lose my first plant!
Pamela,
I have just recently cut the top off one of my Corn Plants to try and tame it a bit. Other readers have said this worked, but as for myself, I'm still waiting.
Any readers share if they have tried this?
Thanks,
drayas
Hello,
Get your plant back to its normal lighting and watering. If you had kept it healthy up until this point, whatever you were providing it with worked. Get it back on a normal schedule before giving it some houseplant food. If the soil feels moist, I would let it be without water until it is more dry.
Please keep us posted.
Thanks,
drayas
I have had a corn tree for over twenty years. It has flowered twice. Recently it toppled over and I had to top it. Rooted in water and then trnsplanted in soil. Doing very well.
First off I want to compliment you on your obviously successful blogsite; it is awesome! The info and layout is great. My question may seem kind of silly but here it goes:
I just found out tonight (going through your list of plants) that you can plant Lucky Bamboo. I have a few of them but one of the containers has six or seven shoots lined up in a row (with those twist tie things). When I plant it should I keep it as is or separate the shoots?
Thank you,
Jess
Hello drayas, I was wondering about a few things. I bought, what appeared to be a cron tree plant, (my mother had one when i was growing up and I was rather fond of it, having saved it's life accidentaly.) but after purchasing this plant I seen that it is called massangeanacane, is this the same thing? my second question is i know that you can cut them and produce another tree with the trimmings, but how do you go about cuttting them, something tells me they are tough buggers to cut. youir feed back would be highly appreciated if youi could send it via my email i would be even more delighted. thank you very much for your time and expertise :)
~Sibyll Nicole Kingsley~
Knbaughman@yahoo.com
Sibyll,
Sorry I don't email to prevent any viruses. Sad world. I have just recently cut my Corn Plant and am waiting for it to reroot. Any of my readers have any time frame they could share with us?
Thanks,
drayas
Hi there,
I just have a few questions about the Corn Plant. Lastnight I found one in the garbage can of my apartment building, it was tossed on it's side with some soil missing. I took a look at it and it seemed fine except the previous owner might have been putting some kind of compost in it.. maybe. It had eggshells. So I put it outside on my balcony and lastnight it got cold. I re-potted it today and threw away the old soil. There were weird centipede looking things in the soil, what are they? How can I prevent them from coming back? I know you said dish soap and water might work, what ratio of water to soap should I use? How do I make the poor thing happy again?
My plant has solid green leaves. Where the corn plant has green & yellow leaves. What name is my plant? Also new growth is starting on the canes. Do I cut them off or let them grow on out? They are close to the base of the canes. HELP....
I have a picture of my dracena(corn plant) flowering... how do I post it to here or send it to you?
Hello Drayas,
Just had a couple of quick questions... My wife and I recently wanted to try growing some plants in our place and today decided to buy a corn plant at IKEA. So I guess my question would be that where does this plant grow from to reach 10'+? This one that we bought is only 5" and looks to be saw cut at the top with two stalks growing from the sides. Is that where the serious growth comes from?? Thats where I am confused. The last thing I want is a 5" TREE!
I have had a corn plant on my patio with filtered light for over 15 years. It has never bloomed so I wonder if that is my problem because I have never had it indoors, also it is now over 5 feet tall and has reached the top of the patio, My question is can I trim the stem down and replant. Will it grow? Also can I get it to bloom after all these years? I trim the leaves all the time when they get too brown on the edges.
I have what I think is a corn plant except it has solid green leaves. So can you tell me the name of my plant and how to take care of it?
My corn plant is not doing very good. I have tried leaving it inside next to the window but the leaves are turning yellow and then brown. They are also wilting. I take them outside on my porch each day. I water them about once a week. When I repotted them, since they are new, and I changed the soil. Could this be what is causing them to die? Please help.
I have a question about most of the poisonous plants listed on this website. I went and got a corn plant, snake plant, peace lilly and others because of their abality to detoxify the air. I had no idea they were poisonous! I have kids and dogs. I know the kids won't EAT them and there high enough so the dogs won't but is this the only way you can get sick from them? I also have spider plants and a boston fern. Thanks for any help.
I have a corn plant I got from my office. It was inside and did fine there, but since I have taken it home, it's doing poorly. The leaves are yellowing and turning brown. It's in a room with very little light. I'm thinking of putting it outside, but I live in FL and it's summertime. The days get very hot. Is it ok to do that or will the heat kill it? If I leave it inside, what can I do to keep it alive? I don't have much room except for where it is.
My corn plant leaves are turning brown and mushrooms are starting to grow in the soil
HELP!!ANYONE!! I have had my corn plant for over 25 years. It has grown up with my children. I decided to repot it since it was so tall and the tips were turning brown. I repotted in Sunday and left it on my patio after watering it overnight. I live in Phoenix, AZ and the leaves were scorched by the sun an dnow, my plant appears to be dying and I'm just sick about it. Can someone help me with my "OTHER BABY"?? I feel like I killed her and I am miserable and it looks like she is too.
HELP!!
is there a way to make new shoots grow from the trunk of the plant? my cat ripped a branch off...
My corn plant is putting on new shoots on it's own. I repotted mine in April and it has doubled it's size. With the new shoots the plant looks like is going to fall over. I water mine once a week and fertilize it once a month. I have it on my sun porch on the East side of the house.
My corn plant was given to me by my Aunt in the fall of 07. It was only 3 feet tall. I put it in my sun room. We have a propane heater on the porch for a little heat in the winter. I live in the foothills of the Blue Ridge Mountains in SC. It gets about 35 degrees in the winter. In the summer I just turn on the ceiling fan and open the windows. It gets in the 90's in the summer. My corn plant is 8 feet tall now. It is 3 years old now and big and beautiful. Hope this helps someone.
I have just got my plant.Its leaves have started to get yellow.Can give me some more tips to help me.That would be great! Thanks!!
Hello, I have a corn plant that has just finished flowering. The smell was great and we were quite proud of it. NOW, what do I do with the flower once it's done? Any help would be appreciated.
If your kitty pees in your plant it will eventually start stinking because you can't change the soil like you do a litter box. My plants smelled so bad, I was going to repot them but when I got the soil out it was so bad that I washed the pots outs with soapy water and just bought new plants.
Sorry to double type the same comment. I'm new to this blogging and I'm still not sure I know what I'm doing, you can only post one if you like. Anyways, my mother-in-law takes a tiny bit of mayonnaise and shines the leaves of her plants and they look very nice. Use a paper towel to spread it over the leaves. I do stress tiny bit, or it becomes a mess.
i have corn plant inside in nevada, due to summer heat. have two stalks in one pot, can i separate or should i cut off the top of the bigger stalk
I cut off some fresh growth from my corn plant (all green, no yellow or brown), and put it in a cup of water for three weeks. It grew a healthy root system. I procrastinated and didn't get it potted, and left it in the cup of water for probably about six weeks total. It was beautiful, green, and healthy the entire six weeks. I potted it in some organic potting mix, and about two months later, it is turning yellow and has brown spots and tips on most of the leaves. I'm not sure what I'm doing wrong. It seems they LOVE water, because it was healthy as could be with no soil and pure water, but now that it's in soil, it's looking bad. I water it about once a week, but maybe I should do more? Everything mentions that yellow = overwatering, but I don't think I'm doing that. Do they prefer any certain type of fertilizer, or soil pH? Thanks!
I have done everything in the world to my corn plant and I can not kill it. Everyone is worrying way too much. As a matter of fact I have mastered propogating these plants with little effort and wonderful results. My fix to the typical occassional browing of leaves is simply clip them off. The growth will continue to come from the middle, top and so eventually you may have a quite long stalk and not as attractive as when you purchsed it and it was a bit "stalkier". What I do at this point is simplmy cut the whole stalk off to about two inches or so above the soil level and if it is very long you can even take the cut off portion and cut it into as many pieces with at least two nodgules (rings around the stalk) and keeping sure the "up side" stays up and down, down; put down side in small amount of rooting hormone and press it back down into moist soil, either in a new pot or I like to surround the "mother" with its little pups. Within a month you will see them all start to have thier own leaves again and you will have a lovely pot of several of these at all different hieghts, how ever you choose to cut them, staggered in hieght. I live in AZ where it is very hot and I have had mine survive the hot summer outside (in the shade) with plenty of water just as well as inside. For water I use my city tap but either boil it once and allow it to cool or keep a bucket sitting open so any chlorine will disapate within a day or so and use this as needed. I do use an all purpose house plant food once monthly. So dont worry at all about the browning, simply cut it off and even if you ever cut the entire head off...cut the plant in two, stick it right back in to the soil and you will soon have twins! Do not be so scared of your houseplants that you are afraid to take care of them. All plants are different, use trial and error and a little common sense and you will soon have lovely plants as you learn each of thier personalities and truly enjoy them and feel a sense fo accomplishment when you see them responding to you.
I have a corn plant that is planted outside in the ground. At first it grew into a very spindly tree type plant. I let it grow without cutting the stalk. Finally it kept falling over so, I cut it in half. That was the best thing I ever did because it has blossomed 5 times and has become a beautiful accent to my yard.
My question is if I cut one of the new growths off the stalk, will I be able to root it in another pot so that it can be given as a gift?
i got two - what I think are - corn cane plants for my birthday two and a half months ago. I went to water them last week and noticed a couple dozen centipede like bugs in each pot. I freaked out and hauled them outside. I repoted them yesterday after hosing them off - not a speck of dirt left on them - and gave them fresh new potting soil. I checked on themthis morning and they still have these ugly nasty centipede thingies! What are they and how do I get rid of them! I hate to toss these plants - thre are 5 stalks in all and they suit my dining room perfectly. Please help!
Hi Estela I got the same problem wet centipede on my corn plant, i buy insect killer for indors plants and i spend $ 7.00 and it looks they go away for 3 weeks but they come back, I did the same thing you did and buy new soil and last week i see they are caming back and is not only on one plant there are in my palms to ... I got taller of spending money and i tookthem out side. I trait difrent things and it dirent work.. good luck
thank you for your service on this site!
I have had corn plants for at least 8 years and killed a few in my 'experiments'- that was when I separated the canes and wanted to put them in other pots.
( I followed the rules of traditional Japanese Gardening in that I wanted only Odd numbered groupings ), but my plants didn't care- they wanted to have their root systems undisturbed. So my advice after years of trying to separate is to NOT separate stalks that have grown in the same pot.
The exeption: if the stalk has lost all it's growth and become dead: i.e. "hollowed out" and/or dry , bubbly skin on the leathery Cane... at that point I could remove it by first using a serrated knife to cut the roots near the stalk and twisting it free of the soil OR I could just let it stay as a dead stalk to fill space or support the other cane's growth.
Mark in NYC
Mark in NYC
I'm so glad I came upon this site. I noticed about 1 week ago that my corn plant was flowering. I've had it for a few years now and the plant was about 6 ft when I purchased it. I didn't realize that it could flower. The scent is really strong ( I wasn't sure where this smell was comming from until it over powered my whole house). I've decided to remove the flower but I would love to send a picture if needed.
I'm thinking about buying one. How much would one 2-3 feet tall cost?
please help,we bought a corn palm just after we got married and i think the world of it but most of it's leaves have all turned brown and yellow and looks like it's dying. i water it once every 2 weeks but have tried more and less watering but nothing seems to change.should i try cutting off all the brown leaves? please help lol
If your leaves started to get blotchy and yellowing and brown and dying(And you havent over watered or under fertilized) you can CUT off the entire stock at the site of the first leaf, if the plant is mature enough. We did that to 3 of our plants. The stalk on one was only about 12" and it has grown a new shoot right under where it was cut with MANY new leaves and looks healthy. This was 3 months ago. The other two are amazingly recovering too! Hope this helps.
My husband and I moved in May and we accidently left the plant in the moving truck while we unpacked and when we finally remmeber about it it seemed to be too late. It was all withered and black....it bouced back over the summer and now its all bare....the leaves have actually fallen off it. Is it dead or just "taking a break?"
I have a cor plant for along time. It just now grew flower/seeds at the top. What do I do with them? Can I plant them to grow a new plant?
I have a corn plant that is about 6-7 years old and it flowering for the 2 time. The first time was about three years ago and it only flowerd at the top of the plant. This time it has 2 and i am amazed it is beautiful. It has 1 at the top of the plant and 1 out of the middle. The first time the smell was alittle strong but this time the smell it extremely strong. Oh well, this plant is special to me,I just open the windows while it flowers. Has anyone every seen a plant 2 at the same time. Zachary, La
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