Corn Plant Care🪴: The Ultimate Guide with Advance Tips

The corn plant is basically an African Tree that has been very famous in the Europe from 1800s. Then on it become popular in US in the early 20th century as the best indoor plant. You will notice that this plan grows slowly. 

It has long and narrow leaves that look like a stalk of corn. That appearance also makes them look like a palm tree, and that is the only reason they are also known as False palm.  

I’d say they would be the best house plant for any home. Because of they are tall (4-6 feet) and narrow as well. These plants don’t need must of care if you grow them in the proper condition.  

As we know, springtime is the most ideal for growing the plant from the seed. However, you can buy a baby plant and grow them anytime. Note: if you have cats or dogs in the house, then I would not recommend this plant as dracaena is toxic to both of them. 

Things to Know About the Corn Plant 

The corn plant is also known as dracaena, false palm and Dracaena Fragrans (Botanical name). It is belonging to Asparagusate family and this can grow up to 6 feet tall. It blooms in late fall and then one more time in late springs. It’s a nigh time bloomer. I really love the dracaena fragrans flower smell, they have two colors white and yellow.  

Plant Type: Broadleaf, evergreen, shrub  

Sun Exposure: Partial  

Soil Type: Moist  

Soil pH: 6.1 to 6.5 

Types of Corn Plants  

All types of corn plants have almost same growth and habitant except the appearance. Below are the mostly used corn plants that will enhance the interior of your house.  

• Massangeana (yellowish lime-green stripe in the leaves)  
• Lindenii (Leaves with yellow edges)  
• Limelight (glossy yellow leaves)  
• Victoria ( similar to ‘Massangeana )  
• Lemon Lime (leaves with white-yellow stripes around gray-green centers) 

Corn Plant Indoor Care  

Most of the home owners grow corn plant in the large pots because they are tropical plants. It is best if you grow them into some bright indoor location that are protected from direct sunlight.  

This plant also highly recommended for the humid environment. You can also keep them outside under the roof and you must not avoid the strong wind.  

Water  

Keep the soil moist but not too soggy during the growing season. Reduce watering in the late fall till winter. But, don’t let the soil dry out completely.  

Soil that is too wet or too dry could lead to plant health issues sometimes. Water when the top 1-inch of soil becomes a little dry.  

I always check this by inserting my finger into the soil up to the first knuckle. If you feel like the soil is dry, it’s time to water. 

Soil  

A loose potting soil mix would work best for your growing corn plants. Make sure the soil has good drainage because the roots don’t do well in water for long. 

Light  

The best suitable indoor location for this plant is near a window with some sunlight as well. Too little light may result in the leaves losing their color. And this might stunt your plant’s growth also. In addition, exposure to direct sun will burn the plant’s leaves and cause them to wilt after some times.  

Humidity and Temperature  

Corn Plant indoor and outdoor requires higher humidity levels than the average home plants. You have to mist your plant at least once a day with a spray bottle of water.  
the plant grows best when temperatures remain between 60-75 degrees F or 16-24 degrees C. Surprisingly, it can also survive at the temperatures of 50 degrees F or 10 degrees C for short periods.  

Pruning  

The lower leaves on your corn plant will begin to yellow. Approximately, After two to three years (a leaf’s natural lifespan). Once the yellowing leaves become repulsive, remove them immediately. If the plant grows too tall for your space, you can cut the to, the new leaf buds will appear near the cut just in few days.  

Common Pests  

Always keep eyes on the plant for spider mites, thrips, and scale. These are the most common problem with many houseplants as well. These Pests can cause your plant’s leaves to look damaged and unhealthy. Moreover, you might be noticing small insects moving around on the plant. Dust the plant leaves regularly and if you see that your plant is damaged by pets then you can use some good quality pesticides.  

Also Read: 6 Things to Know When Taking Care of Chinese Money Plant

Common Problems that You Can face with Corn Plant Care:

As we had discussed before the corn plant is an easy houseplant to keep once you get the growing conditions right. For that you should check for water, light, and humidity regularly. this plant doesn’t prefer the cold temps, high heat, and the drafty spots.  
 

Sudden Loss of Leaves  

If your plant has too much water and poor drainage. then it can cause a sudden loss of leaves or root rot. Make sure the soil is well-draining and the plant’s pot has few drainage holes as well.  

Foul Aroma  

If you see your plant blackening or smelling foul at the bottom half. That means it has likely developed soft rot, a bacterial infection with no remedy. Sadly The plant will start to look and smell like it’s rotting. You have to discard it.  

Dry Leaf Tips  

Plants with too little water or too much dry air, get dry leaf tips. Add a humidifier or you can mist the plant regularly to increase humidity. You can also increase the plant’s water, but too much. Yellowing tips can also be caused by too much of fluoride in the water. Always use distilled water to avoid these leaf tip burns.

 

FAQs  

Conclusion 

Corn plant is a plant that you can grow easily with no extra maintenance. This will help you to enhance the interior and the overall ambience of your home. I hope the guide would have helped you to understand everything about the corn plant. For more updates keep visiting Architecture’s Idea.