Question
QUESTION: Hi, I just bought two new Corn Plants (Dracaena massangeana) about a month ago from Lowe's and they were beautiful. I repotted them both into new pots that are just a little bigger than their original containers, used good potting soil, and have placed them in an area that is getting pretty low indoor light.  They are now getting quite a few brown spots on the tips of the leaves; I'm not sure if what it's from.  Could you please help?

ANSWER: Hi Michele,

A photos of your entire plant and pot would be helpful, as well as one that shows the brown tips you are concerned about. Email the photos to me at [email protected].

There are several possible causes: the trauma from the repotting, not enough light, and keeping the soil too moist.

If you can provide me with some additional information - size of pot before and after, distance to the nearest uncovered window, your watering routine - then I can better assess the problem.

Thanks,
Will Creed



---------- FOLLOW-UP ----------

QUESTION: Hi Will,

I'm going to email you some pictures of the plants.  

Okay, the plants were in 10" pots and I repotted them into 11" pots.  The nearest uncovered window is in the eat-in kitchen, about 25 feet away (these are in the family room, next to the fireplace, but no fires are going - it's summertime).  I've been watering them when the top of the soil feels dry to the touch, usually about every 9-10 days; and I don't soak the soil.  I'll also include this info when I send the photos.  

Thank you for your time

Answer
Hi Michele,

Thanks for the great photos and the very helpful information. Now I can help you.

Your plants are not getting enough light. Light intensify drops off dramatically with distance from the light source. Ten feet is about the farthest away from a very sunny window that a plant will survive and yours are more than double that distance. They look terrific on either side of your fireplace, but they are not getting enough light to survive, let alone thrive. They need to be within six feet of an uncovered window and even closer if the window faces north.

Moving your plant from a 10" to an 11' pot was unnecessary, but acceptable. However, it looks like the soil is right up to the top of the pot. That is not so good. Remove all of the loose soil that you added to the top of the original rootball. That extra soil is keeping the soil too moist.

I know you believe that you are being careful not to overwater, but you are. For a corn plant, you must allow the top two inches of soil (after you remove the excess) to dry out in between waterings. It is not enough to have just the surface soil dry out.

In better light, the soil will dry out a little sooner. So improving the light is the most important thing for you to do and withholding water is the next most important thing to do. Everything else is not very relevant.

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

You can E-mail me directly at: [email protected]