Dracaena Corn

CARE

Corn plants do best in bright indoor locations protected against direct sunlight, drafts, and air conditioning and heating vents. I’ve normally kept my corn plants next to a window and has always worked well. They do prefer a high-humidity environment, but I have had much success growing them in dry conditions.

I have seen many corn plants growing outdoors in Zone 9 and planted in the ground. They also do well in the summer outdoors in pots, as long as they aren’t in direct sunlight.

Make sure the soil is well drained since the corn plant doesn’t like to have its feet wet for long periods of time. Reduce watering in the late fall to winter and water in warmer weather when the soil is dry.

I use a balanced liquid fertilizer for houseplants sparingly.

PRUNING

This is a subject that many plant owners have difficulty with. But, the corn plant enjoys being pruned.

When the plant has grown larger than its pot or easily will fall over, as shown in the picture above, it’s time to cut back the leaf stalks. Just take your hand pruners and cut the stalks all the way back to the main stalk.

Over time, new leaf stalks will start to grow back. My plant has been trimmed back now 3 times.

I have never tried to grow a corn plant by seed or by propagation. For me, that’s too much trouble and I can find a new one at any store.

COMMON PROBLEMS

The only problem I’ve had with the corn plant is Brown Leaf Tips. This is due to not watering enough and letting the soil stay dry too long. An easy fix is by just watering when needed. If you have leaves that are all yellow or brown, just cut them off. It’s common for the bottom leaves to turn yellow with age.

I’ve also never had any pest problems with my corn plants. But, I understand that they may get Spider Mites but that’s easy to control by wiping down the leaves well with a damp cloth and keeping them clean.