Question

Milo  

Milo   Hi, We have a Massangeana corn plant that was given to us by a good friend that had to move and couldn't take the plant with them due to it being to tall and heavy. We want to prune/cut it because it has grown to tall for our home (over 10 feet tall#.Like where to cut him and how to replant. Could you instruct us on what must be done in order for us to have a successful outcome we do so love #Milo our name we gave him)and look forward to having many years together. Thank you  Keith and Audrey Renford

Answer
Hi Keith and Audrey,

Your Corn Plant is as badly overgrown as any I have seen! The photo quality is poor so it is hard for me to evaluate the overall health of the plant or its chances of survival.

Nonetheless, you don't have much choice about pruning it back. Due to its age, I suggest pruning off the top of the stems so that the remaining stems are 2-3 feet below the ceiling. If the roots and stems are healthy, new growth will slowly emerge on the stems just below the pruning cuts and grow upward from there.

You can insert the cuttings in the base of the existing pot and they may root.

If you are considering repotting your plant, don't. It certainly doesn't need a bigger pot and to disturb the roots of this rather fragile plant would be a big mistake.

Although Corn Plants do not require any direct sunlight, they do need to be located within 3 or 4 feet of a sunny, uncovered window where they can get lots of bright indirect light. In the photo, yours appears to be in a corner and relying on artificial light, which  is not going to help.

I have to advise you that just because you love your plant and nurture it, that does not guarantee a long life for it. It appears to be quite old and fragile and that may limit its future.

I have written an article on Corn Plant care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who emails a request to me at [email protected].

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

Visit my website at: A link to HorticulturalHelp.com