Question
Leaves Close up
Hello Will,
I saw that you have answered a few questions about mass cane care before. But I was hoping you could help me with my plant specifically as I have no knowledge of plants whatsoever. The tips of the leaves are drying up and turning black. There are also some black streaks on some leaves as well. I bought it from Home Depot 3 weeks ago and have only been watering it on Sundays with room temperature, distilled water bought from Rite Aid. It is approx 18 inches from a window facing SW. The pot is plastic, 9-10 inches wide and has no holes in it. I still have the plant in the original soil that I bought it in. I keep my apartment between 68 and 71 degree. There is a vent on the 9ft high ceiling close to the plant. I usually try to leave the overhead light (23 Watt eco bulb) on during cloudy days. What can I do to not kill this plant? Thank you very much for your help
Respectfully,
Steve
AnswerHi Steve,
A few lower leaves discoloring are normal and not a cause for concern. You can expect older leaves to die back as new leaves are added on top. That is part of the normal growth process. If you lose more than you gain, then you may have a problem.
You may have a bit too much direct sunlight for it. SW windows usually bring in a fair amount of direct sun, so move your plant a bit off to the side or maybe 3-6 feet away from the window to keep it out of teh direct sun. The overhead light is redundant and unnecessary, even on cloudy days.
The temperature is fine and distilled water is necessary only if your loacl tap water is on the hard side.
My one concern is the pot that has no drain holes. Excess water, mineral salts and gases have no way to escape and can crate toxic conditions around the roots. Either drill several half-inch diameter holes in the bottom of the pot or move the plant to a similar sized pot that has drainage holes in it.
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
