Question

Corn plant   Hi Darlene,

I have a small corn plant which I have acquired from a street fair a year and half ago. It is about 11 inches tall and I'm guessing it's less than two years old. It came with a tiny pot which measures about 10 inches in circumference and for the past year I've had it in the same pot and on the same spot on a window ledge close to the radiator. In the past week I've noticed it's blooming. I've done some research and it seems it is not only quite rare for corn plants to bloom but also most blooming occurs when the plant is mature. I'm beyond excited to see this achievement.

My first question is should I continue to give my plant plant food? I've been using Schultz Plant Food (original all purpose formula) which dissolves in water for the past six months. My second question is whether I can repot my plant next spring. I understand that in order for the plant to continue blossoming on a yearly basis, it should not be repotted or moved. However, the pot that it is in now is extremely small and I'm just worried that my plant is not getting enough nutrients from the little amount of soil that's in the pot.

Thank you for your time and help.


Juliet

Answer
Juliet,

Yes, blooming is fairly rare and one of the things that can trigger it is being very pot bound as yours is.  Pot size is taken from the diameter of the pot and it appears your plant is in a 4 inch pot. You can continue to feed your plant with the Schultz Plant Food but through the winter months I would cut it to half strength. You can repot it any time after April 1st but if you want the plant to bloom again do not move it to a pot with a diameter larger than 6 inches. That pot will be almost twice as large as the 4 inch pot it is in now. Keep it in that pot for 2 years then move it to an 8 inch pot. The fact that it is root bound and you have been heavily feeding it has initiated that bloom. You are doing everything right. Congratulations! If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck!

Darlene