Question
Hi Will, My Dracaena is blossoming; what do we do?  The blossoms have a very strong smell and are dripping a thick, sticky sap on our floor.  Should we remove the blossoms or let them be.  We don't want to harm the plant, but....  We've had it for about 15-20 years, and it's never blossomed before.  (Hence, we're clueless about taking or not any action.)
Thanks!

Answer
Hi Marcia,

Pat yourself on the back for maintaining a stable environment and good care for your Dracaena massangeana! That is what is required for mature Dracaenas to flower. AS long as you don't repot or relocate your plant, it will probably bloom at least once per year from now on. Usually this occurs in the late fall and in the spring.

The aroma of the flowers is quite powerful and many people dislike it while others enjoy it. Either way, it is best to cut off the flower spike (stem) where it emerges from the foliage before the petals dry and start falling and making a mess. If you don't like the flowers, the spike can be cut off a soon as it emerges. Cutting it off has no harmful effect on the plant.

I have written an article on Corn Plant care that I will email for free to you (or anyone else) who sends 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  www.HorticulturalHelp.com