Question
Hi Will,

I have a corn plant that I have had for over 14 years, it just recently started to flower. My problem is its height. It is about 7-8 feet tall and I am running out of room. Is there anything that I can do? Can it be cut back without risk of killing the plant? Can I start a new plant from it? Is there a point that they stop growing?
I was also wondering, what causes the tips of the leaves to turn brown?
I'd really appreciate any information that you can give me.
Thank you.
Lisa

Answer
Hi Lisa,

Congratulations on your providing many years of good care to your corn plant! Probably the only thing you neglected was pruning. Most plants do best if they pruned regularly rather than waiting until it reaches a crisis such as pushing through the ceiling!

Pruning it now will not kill or damage your plant. However, getting healthy new growth on older, woody stems is less likely than on younger stems. That is why it is better not to delay pruning.

New growth emerges just below the point on the stem where you make the pruning cut and grows upward from there. So just how far back you prune depends in how you want your plant to look now and in the future.

The pruned off tops can be rooted in plain water or in damp potting mix. Short tip-cuttings root more readily than older long-stemmed cuttings.

New growth is always at the top ends of stems and it never ceases until the plant dies. That is why regular pruning is a necessary part of caring for this plant.

Brown tips occur when the soil is too dry or too wet; when the light is too low; when roots are compacted at the bottom of the pot; and when mineral salts from excess fertilizer or hard water build up in the soil. If your tap water is on the hard side, use filtered or distilled water.

Please let me know if any of this is unclear or if you have any additional questions. If you would like to e-mail me some photos, I may be able to provide some additional insights.

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Regards,
Will Creed, Interior Landscaper
Horticultural Help, NYC

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