Corn Stalk Plant (Dracaena fragrans) Care, Pruning, and Flowering

Mayur has an 18-foot Dracaena fragrans 'Massangeana' (Corn Stalk Plant) in a large pot, touching the ceiling. It has lost lower leaves, flowers rarely with fragrant blooms, and he wants to know if he can cut off the bottom and replant the top 10-12 feet. He lives in Lindenhurst, Illinois (Zone 5b).

Expert Answers: 1) Plant is Dracaena fragrans 'Massangeana', native to tropical Africa. 2) Cutting the bottom roots off the top section is unlikely to work well due to large stem diameter; better to air-layer or take tip cuttings. Keep the base – it may sprout new shoots. 3) Flowers are panicles; blooming depends on maturity and conditions (tropical). In Illinois, provide bright light, consistent warmth, and humidity. Use grow lights in winter. Water by weight (check pot weight). Fertilize monthly during growing season. Mist for humidity. Repot only when necessary.