Question
We have a few of these plants and have never had one bloom, till now. We were very surprised to see and know that they do bloom. Do we need to do anything with the bloom? Thanks, Jerry

Answer
Hi Jerry,

D. massangeanas (Corn Plants) typically do not flower until they are older and have been in the same pot and location for a number of years. If they are left undisturbed, they will continue to flower once or twice per year in the future.

Many people find the strongly sweet aroma of the flowers offensive. In that case, I recommend cutting off the flower stem at its base as soon as it emerges. The flowers are not particularly attractive to look at and they last for a week or two. Then they start to dry up and can become quite messy as the sticky, dried flower debris falls about. It is best to cut off the entire stem as soon as it starts to dry up so you can avoid the mess!

Other than deciding when to cut off the flower stem, there is nothing for you to do with the flower.

I have written an article on the complete care of Corn Plants that is available by request at my email address below.

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

If this information has been helpful, please click the Rate Volunteer bar below and enter a rating and nomination for me. I am a volunteer on this site so Ratings are the only compensation I receive for answering plant questions.
           
Need more information? Visit my website at www.HorticulturalHelp.com
or email me at [email protected]
or call me at 917-887-8601 (EDT)
  
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC