Corn plant

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qcfangie Ware Shoals, SC Jul 21, 2008

I have had my corn plant for 10+years. It has started a new leaf system at the base of one of the stalks. The leaves at the top of the stalk seam to be dieing. Can I do anything to promote growth at the top of the stalk? I never knew these plants bloom until viewing this site. Are there certain circumstances that cause the blooms? Any help is greatly appreciated

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growgirl59 Saint Louis, MO Jul 22, 2008

What makes you think the top of the cane is dying? Is it soft, or darkening? Otherwise, it's very normal for corn plants to push new growth along the cane. Flowering usually occurs on plants that are 6 ft. tall or more. The plant must get bright, not direct, light for flowering. If you do get flowers, you'll know why the botanical name for this plant is Dracaena fragrans. It's wonderful!

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qcfangie Ware Shoals, SC Jul 23, 2008

My stalk seams fine. The leaves at the top of the stalk are dying and & I'm scared that I may end up with a 5' stalk and only leaves at the bottom.

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ecrane3 Dublin, CA(Zone 9a) Jul 23, 2008

Can you post a picture? It's natural for some leaves to dry up and fall off eventually, but if all the leaves at the top are dying then it suggests to me that you've probably got a watering problem or something along those lines. If that's the case, you need to address it because eventually the newer leaves lower down on the plant will die too if it's being watered improperly.

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growgirl59 Saint Louis, MO Jul 23, 2008

Is there any sign of insects, or was the plant scorched by heat or too much sun? If not, I would give it a little time to see if a new set of leaves start to emerge from another spot at the top of the cane. If not, your only option would be to cut the cane back by about 3 inches. Provided the cane is healthy, a new set of leaves will begin to grow within a couple of weeks. My husband uses a saw to cut the canes back for me.

This message was edited Jul 23, 2008 9:06 AM

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