Question
House Plant
Can you help me identify the plant in the attached photo? I have forgotten what it is, but from my searching, appears to be related to the Dracaena family? Would like to re-pot it, but the stalk is so long, it may need to be cut...? Any assistance you may offer as to identification and re-potting would be appreciated.
Thanks in advance!
AnswerLaura,
I beleive that you have a Dracaena deremensis 慦arneckii? It is more commonly called a corn plant. It does not need to be in a larger pot. I would reccommend removing the lowest 7 or 8 leaves then air layering the top of the plant. This is a technique where you cut the bark off around the trunk and put rooting hormone on it then wrap it in moist spaghmum moss and plastic. The top of the plant will grow new roots and you can cut it off and put it in the soil beside the base of the plant. You will find picture directions for this at the following site:
http://aggie-horticulture.tamu.edu/extension/ornamentals/airlayer/airlayer.html
It is much easier than it sounds and usually 100% successful. When you have cut the top off and planted it beside the base cut the base off to about 6 inches above the soil and it will sprout a whole new top. You can also take the trunk that you cut off and keep track of which end was the lower end, dip that in rooting hormone and insert that in the soil also. You will have a 50/50 shot that it will root and also grow a new plant. If it does you will have 3 corn plants in your pot and they will be a lot healthier than the single one is by itself. If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck.
Darlene
