Question
Hi Will,

I read through your past answers and didn't see this issue addressed. Can I plant a Corn Plant (dracaena) with a Parlor Palm for height interest? They seem compatible water-wise, but will they work in a pot together?

Stephanie from WA

Answer
Hi Stephanie,

That's a good and interesting question. Corn Plants and Parlor Palms are compatible as far as light goes, although you would have to be careful that the larger Corn Plant leaves do not block out too much light for the shorter Palm.

However, as far as watering goes, Corn Plants need to dry about a quarter of the way down in their pots between waterings whereas Parlor Palms should be watered as soon as the top half-inch of soil is dry. If you pot both plants in the same pot, then the smaller root system of the Parlor Palm will dry out too much if you water the Corn Plant properly. Conversely, keeping the Palm properly moist would cause the Corn Plant roots to slowly rot.

What you could do is to keep the smaller Palm in its own pot on top of the Corn Plant soil and cover the Palm pot with Spanish Moss to disguise your handiwork. By keeping them in separate pots, you will be able to maintain the different soil moisture requirements that each have.

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  www.HorticulturalHelp.com