Question
Good day Darlene,

At work we have some corn plants. One of plants had a bare stalk with wax on top of it. I was questioning whether cutting off the top would encourage it to resprout. Right after I said that the owner of the plant pulled the cane out and asked me if I wanted to try it at home. When she pulled the cane out, I heard the "snap" of roots breaking, so I don't think it's dead.

Here's my question...

If I cut off the top, will it resprout leaves? I would really like to have a corn plant at home. It would be great to have one I was able to start off myself. I don't know if the length of it matters, but the stalk is just over a foot long.

Is it better to root it in water or potting soil?


Thanks.
Amanda  

Answer
Amanda,

Take it home and plant the lower 4-5 inches in a pot of potting soil mixed 50/50 with builders sand which you can get from Lowes or Home Depot. Leave the wax on the top of the cane but remove any from the sides. The wax protects it from any fungus. Then just be patient. It will grow roots first then leaves. Keep it in a bright location and water it lightly then let it dry before watering again. Be very careful not to overwater or it will rot. This can live on very little water. It needs bright light but it does not like direct sun. If you have more questions feel free to write again. Good luck.

Darlene