Question
polkadot
Hello once again Will! I hope all is well. My question today involves a polka dot that I have in a room that receives lots of light.
This is my first polka dot, and have learned a lot about it over the 5 months I've had it. For example, you cannot miss when it needs water! It begun to bloom 2 weeks ago,and it is just awesome.
My issue is that it has gotten "tall" with weak stems. All of the fullness is at the top, the leaves drop off from the bottom. I have the tallest stem tied to a stick because it's not strong enough to support all the new leaves on top (photos attached).
Am I doing something wrong? Can it be cut? I don't want to harm it because I find its tiny purple blooms and the pretty speckled pink leaves to be pleasing. Let me know, and thanks as usual Will!!!!
P.S. I checked the roots on my corn plant (remember I repotted in May). They are still whitish, appear healthy, not mushy or black. Maybe it's growth slowed because of the weather?
AnswerHi Ayana,
Polka dot plants are notorious for getting tall and leggy. The only way to correct this is to prune it back regularly. As long as the root and stems are health, then you will get healthy new growth starting just below where you make the pruning cut. I know it is painful to prune off healthy top growth, but it has to be done and it will not harm the plant.
I'm afraid I have forgotten the details of your corn plant, so I am not sure why the growth has slowed. Repotting is the most common reason, but I don't recall if you did that. Weather is unlikely to be the reason.
All is well with me and I hope it is with you, as well.
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.
Visit my website at www.HorticulturalHelp.com
Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC
