How to Care for Corn House Plants

Indoor plants add a warm, inviting feeling to a room. Corn house plants grow gracefully with their long stalks and long leaves.They are called corn plants because of their resemblance to the vegetable cornstalks. Corn house plants need proper care to flourish in your home. Being a tropical plant, the corn house plant needs a similar environment indoors.

Things You'll Need

• Water
• Fertilizer
• Insecticidal soap
• Clippers
• Damp cloth

Instructions

1. Plant the corn house plant in well-drained and moist soil, composed of mostly organic components, according to the University of Florida. Provide a large enough flower pot for growth. Corn house plants' stalks can reach up to 5 to 8 feet.

2. Place the plant near a window to provide sunlight. The corn house plant needs sunlight but not full sun. Provide ventilation and a humid atmosphere, with temperatures ranging from 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit.

3. Water the corn plant two to three times a week during the summer to keep the soil moist and humid. Water once a week during the winter. Check the plant’s soil often to make sure it isn’t dry and add water accordingly.

4. Fertilize once a month during the summer with a liquid fertilizer for house plants. Purdue University’s Horticulture Department suggests mixing 1 tsp. of soluble fertilizer in 1 gallon of water.

5. Prune the leaves and stalk as needed, using clippers. Remove dead leaves and wipe leaves with a damp cloth to take off any dust.

6. Spray the plant with an insecticidal soap to eradicate spider mites or other pests

Tips & Warnings

• Turn the corn plant once a week so it can receive sunlight on both sides.

References

• University of Florida: Dracaena Production Guide
• Purdue University Cooperative Extension Service: Indoor Plant Care
• Botanical: Corn Plant