How to Care for a Corn Stalk Plant
Corn stalk plants (Dracaena fragrans) are commonly seen in garden centers and floral shops. They are used as floor plants for their display of lush foliage that resembles a corn stalk. Many different varieties exist with different patterns and colors of striped leaves. They grow to about 10 feet tall, but can be pruned shorter. They are extremely tolerant of neglect and adapt to less than ideal conditions well, which makes them an excellent choice for the houseplant lover who isn't always good with plants. Does this Spark an idea?
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Instructions
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Select a location for the corn stalk plant that has indirect, bright light such as an eastern facing window or a lightly shaded southern window. Like most tropical plants, avoid cold temperatures and drafts. They will do well in normal household conditions.
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Water the corn stalk plant when the soil is dry 1 inch or so below the surface. They like to stay evenly moist to slightly dry. They will not tolerate sopping wet or completely dry soils. When watering, add water until it begins to run out of the bottom of the pot. Tap water is sufficient for normal watering, but the soil may need to be leached periodically in areas with hard water.
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Leach the soil thoroughly every few months to prevent the buildup of salt which will damage the roots. To leach the soil, water the plant with distilled, reverse osmosis or rainwater and let it flow out of the bottom of the pot. Use two to three times as much water as normal and do not let the pot sit in the drainage tray.
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Add a balanced liquid soluble house plant fertilizer once a month during the spring and summer.
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Repot the corn stalk plant every two to three years in fresh soil. Commercial houseplant potting mix is perfect for corn stalk plants, as it drains well but still retains some moisture. Placing a layer of gravel, 1 inch thick, in the bottom of the pot at this time will greatly aid in drainage.
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Cut the top of the stem off when the plant becomes too tall. The cut will eventually heal over and new sets of leaves will sprout just below the wound. The top can then be replanted to make another plant.
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Tips & Warnings
Corn stalk plants adapt well to household conditions but benefit from extra humidity, especially in winter. You can increase humidity with a humidifier, grouping plants together and lightly misting the foliage early in the morning. Use distilled water when misting to avoid water spotting on the leaves.
Corn stalk plants can be grown on a shady patio in the summer when night temperatures are in the 50 degree range or higher. They will receive damage or die in frosts and freezes.
Avoid direct sun. It will burn the leaves.
Avoid light that is too low for optimum growth and lush foliage. Although they will adapt to very low light conditions, the stems become thin and spindly, which opens the plant up to attacks by pests and diseases.
Corn stalk plants can be damaged by high levels of flouride in tap water.If the leaves brown at the tips and start to yellow on a plant that should otherwise be healthy, try using distilled, reverse osmosis or rainwater water exclusively instead.
